Monday, February 4, 2008

Alaska: Self-defense may be factor in fatal shooting near Willow

Willow, Alaska

From the Anchorage Daily News of January 26, 2008
Self-defense may be factor in fatal shooting near Willow

Alaska State Troopers are examining the possibility that a man who was killed near Caswell Lake north of Willow on Thursday was shot in self-defense.

Troopers have not yet arrested anyone in connection with the death of Bradley D. Mork, 43. Mork, of Talkeetna, died after being shot in a home driveway, troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said Friday.

Though no one has been charged, a male witness, also 43, was walking in the neighborhood with a "couple people" when troopers got to the scene about 20 minutes after the 5:30 p.m. call Thursday, she said. Peters did not identify the witness.

"We have identified someone who was involved in the incident that led up to the shooting, and they've been very helpful," Peters said.

Investigators are discussing the case with the Palmer district attorney to determine whether charges are warranted, she said. There is a possibility the shooting could turn out to be a case of self-defense, she said.

Peters refused to say whether the witness, who was apparently not related to Mork, had admitted shooting him.

She did not know whose home it was and was unsure whether the 911 call that Palmer police received originated from that residence or another in the area. Palmer police relayed the call to troopers.

Peters would not say how many times Mork was shot or what type of gun was used, but said the death was being investigated as a homicide.

The state medical examiner is expected to complete an autopsy on Mork in the next few days while the troopers' investigation continues.

A phone message left for the Palmer district attorney was not returned Friday.

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