ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage jury has convicted 34-year-old Dustin Perry of first- and second-degree murder in the 2021 shooting death of his neighbor, 47-year-old Clayton Martinelli, rejecting his claims of self-defense in a dispute that began over noise complaints.
The verdict was announced Thursday, concluding a trial that detailed a long-simmering conflict between the two men, who lived next to each other in the same residential complex.
Deadly Confrontation Stemming from Noise Complaint
According to evidence presented by prosecutors, the fatal incident occurred around 3:41 a.m. on April 5, 2021, after Perry and Martinelli had exchanged heated words earlier that morning.
The dispute reportedly began when Perry used offensive and vulgar language toward Martinelli and his family around 2 a.m., escalating tensions that had already been building for months. Perry’s landlord had allegedly asked him to move out of the property following repeated noise complaints.
When Martinelli confronted Perry about his behavior later that night, Perry retrieved a Soviet-style Mini Draco pistol and shot him in the head, according to the Alaska Department of Law.
Martinelli was pronounced dead at the scene.
“This was a senseless act of violence fueled by anger and poor judgment,” said a spokesperson for the Alaska Attorney General’s Office following the verdict.
Jury Rejects Self-Defense Claim
During the trial, Perry claimed that he fired in self-defense and in defense of his property, arguing that he felt threatened when Martinelli approached his residence.
However, jurors were shown surveillance footage from Perry’s own home security system, which captured much of the altercation. After reviewing the video, the jury rejected his self-defense claims, finding that Martinelli posed no immediate threat when Perry opened fire.
Prosecutors also highlighted Perry’s intoxication at the time of the shooting and his history of violent behavior, noting that he was out on bail for three misdemeanor assault cases at the time.
Additional Charges and Sentencing
In addition to the murder convictions, Perry pleaded no contest to misconduct involving weapons for being intoxicated while in possession of a firearm, as well as three misdemeanor counts of violating conditions of release.
He now faces a potential sentence ranging from 30 to 99 years in prison. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 16, 2026.
“This conviction underscores that reckless use of firearms and disregard for human life will be met with full accountability under Alaska law,” prosecutors said in a post-trial statement.
Community Reaction and Broader Concerns
The case has drawn attention in Anchorage for its depiction of how everyday neighborhood disputes can turn deadly. Community members have expressed concern over the increasing number of violent incidents linked to domestic or neighborly confrontations in residential areas.
Local advocates for gun safety said the case serves as a reminder of the risks posed by mixing alcohol and firearms, calling for renewed focus on responsible ownership and de-escalation training.
Authorities continue to stress that neighbors should contact law enforcement rather than engage directly in volatile situations.
Perry remains in custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex pending sentencing.
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