Fairbanks Police are investigating the shooting deaths of two people that occurred Wednesday at a residence on the city’s east side.
According to a police news release, investigators believe the first shooting was accidental, and the second was a suicide.
The news release says the Fairbanks Emergency Communication Center got a 911 call at around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday from a man who said his friend had accidentally shot his girlfriend.
When police officers arrived at the Bentley Drive address, they found a dead woman and a critically wounded man. The man was taken to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, where he later died.
According to the news release, the deceased man was identified as 22-year-old Landon Lowrance. His girlfriend was identified as 21-year-old Cloerae McBrayer.
An investigation determined that Lowrance was playing with a handgun at the residence. The 911 caller told investigators that when Lowrance pointed the gun at McBrayer, it discharged, and the bullet struck her.
The news release says Lowrance’s friend, who was not identified, immediately called 911 to report the shooting. The caller stayed on the line while he was waiting for officers to arrive, and the dispatchers said at one point they heard a disturbance in the background.
Investigators determined that Lowrance had obtained another gun and shot himself.
The news release says detectives who interviewed the caller don’t believe he was involved in the shootings.
A Fairbanks police spokesperson said Thursday that investigators believe the caller was trying to physically stop Lowrance from shooting himself.
The news release says the caller remained on the line with 911 dispatchers while the two men were struggling.
The police spokesperson said an investigation into the shooting remains open, pending a report from the medical examiner’s office. But they said in a text message that “We are confident that we have a clear picture of the situation, because after the first shooting, much of what occurred was captured on 911.”
The news release said the incidents resulted in a tragic and preventable loss of life. [It added, “Firearms should always be handled responsibly and safely, and individuals should never participate in games or activities involving firearms that place anyone at risk of injury or death.”
Police are asking anyone with information about this case to contact FPD detectives at fpdinvestigations@fairbanks.gov or at (907) 450-6500.
