26-year-old Circle resident Jerek Boyle has been charged with murder in the death of 48-year-old James Gelvin, who died Thursday at a cabin they shared in the small community 155 miles northeast of Fairbanks.
Alaska State Troopers and investigators from the state Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene, where 48-year-old James Gelvin was found dead on the porch.
Investigators allege that Boyle shot Gelvin from inside the cabin, through the front door. Boyle’s aunt and father told investigators that earlier in the day, the victim had argued with his two roommates and had made unspecified threats.
According to charging documents, Boyle’s father advised him to lock Gelvin out of the cabin, despite outside temperatures of around -50° Fahrenheit.
Troopers charged Boyle with First Degree Murder and brought him to Fairbanks Correctional Center. He was arraigned at the Fairbanks Courthouse on Friday, and his bail was set at $500,000. His next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 13.