Alaska – In a harrowing incident in Alaska, a 20-year-old man, identified as S. Carawan, was arrested over the weekend for the stabbing death of two 18-year-old women, identified as N. Rivers and A. Olson. The violence that claimed their lives last week has drawn widespread attention and condemnation, particularly from indigenous communities.
The double homicide has profoundly affected the local and tribal communities. A $10,000 reward was initially offered for information leading to an arrest, and community members organized a walk and prayer circle to honor Rivers and Olson and support their grieving families.
The arrest came after an agonizing investigation that began when the bodies of Rivers and Olson were discovered at one of the victim’s homes. Each young woman had suffered multiple stab wounds in what law enforcement described as a “violent murder.” According to an affidavit, an autopsy found more than 60 slash and stab wounds on the women’s bodies.
According to reports, Carawan had accepted Rivers’ invitation to go to her home and get “wasted.” As per reports, Carawan and Rivers were cousins. Prior communications via text indicated that Carawan planned to bring homemade alcohol and mari-uana to the gathering. What was supposed to be a casual meeting among cousins quickly escalated into a fatal confrontation.
The local police were alerted early on Wednesday when they arrived at the scene to find Rivers and Olson deceased with multiple wounds and signs of blunt-force trauma. The investigation revealed that Carawan had attacked the young girls with a knife and inflicted severe injuries leading to their deaths.
Initial denials by Carawan about his involvement were later contradicted by his confession during police custody. He admitted to the killings, detailing how he used a blue knife to carry out the stabbings. Further complicating the case, Carawan attempted to destroy evidence by disposing of the victims’ phones and cleaning the murder weapon.
Authorities conducted a thorough search of Carawan’s residence, where they found shoes with blood-stained treads and a hidden knife that matched the murder weapon description. This evidence corroborated the violent actions that took place at the scene.
Carawan faces six felony charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, providing alcohol to minors, and tampering with evidence. If convicted, Carawan faces up to 99 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine for each count of first- and second-degree murder, as well as another five years in prison and a $50,000 fine on the charges of furnishing alcohol to a minor and tampering with evidence
As the legal proceedings move forward, Carawan remains in custody at the correctional center with a bail set at $1.5 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 17, where the families of the victims will look for justice to be served. This case underscores the tragic consequences of violence and the ongoing challenges that small communities face in dealing with such devastating events.
