Families rocked by deadly shooting, standoff

By Michael Rovito
Frontiersman
Published on Monday, June 2, 2008 4:17 PM AKDT

WASILLA — Fred Heilman and Michael Zagars used to be friends.

Taking fishing trips, sharing a beer and just being buddies had been common with the neighbors. But that friendly relationship unraveled over the past two years. The men became bitter enemies and their feud culminated Saturday when Heilman allegedly shot and killed Zagars, then took his own life following a nearly 24-hour standoff with Alaska State Troopers.

Two families rocked by the losses of life are now trying to answer questions while dealing with the pain of losing their loved ones.

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

Danielle McManus, one of Heilman’s daughters, drove to Wasilla from Fairbanks with her husband Saturday evening after Heilman called to tell them he’d just shot a man. McManus said Heilman wanted to tell them goodbye, although he gave no indication he was considering suicide.

“I didn’t know what he was going to do,” McManus said Monday.

Police were first called to East Porcupine Trail Saturday around 5:30 p.m. to investigate a report of a shooting. By the time troopers arrived, Zagars was dead and Heilman had barricaded himself in his home but was in contact with officials by telephone. Because of the standoff, Zagars’ body was not removed from the scene until 9:30 p.m., troopers report.

As the standoff played out over the weekend, officials said they did not storm Heilman’s home because they were told he had multiple weapons inside. Trooper Col. Audie Holloway said troopers wanted to bring the standoff to an end peacefully and would negotiate with Heilman as long as it took to attempt to resolve the situation without further violence.

A single gunshot around 4:30 p.m. Sunday — Heilman shooting himself after he emerged from his house — ended the standoff.

All that’s left now is for both families and a Wasilla neighborhood to try to come to terms with the tragedy.

Heilman’s family said it holds no ill-will toward the Zagars and is sympathetic for the family’s loss.

“We feel really bad for the other family,” McManus said. “Really bad.”

Loren Rupe, who said Zagars’ children are staying with him, said Zagars was selling his house on East Porcupine Trail and moving to another neighborhood to get away from Heilman. He said Zagars’ children were playing football with friends Monday afternoon, trying to distract themselves from the tragedy at least for awhile. Rupe added the Zagars boys’ mother died seven years ago, although he didn’t know how.

Heilman’s family, who said they knew of the feud between the men, are at a loss to understand how it could have escalated to a deadly level.

Court trail

In court documents obtained by the Frontiersman, Zagars, Heilman and another neighbor, Dennis Hobbard, detail claims of harassment and threatening behavior in the neighborhood over the course of the past two years.

In one report, Zagars claims he was temporarily blinded by a red laser coming from Heilman’s house one evening. Zagars told police he suspected the lazer was from a rifle-mounted scope. Zagars also wrote in the report that Heilman had shot at his dog and pointed guns at him.

In his own reports to police, Heilman claims Zagars challenged him to fights and used his dogs to intimidate him. He also wrote that Zagars would drive at him at fast speeds in a truck, narrowly missing.

Whether the allegations made by both men are true is unclear. All three men had sought protective orders from one another — Zagars and Hobbard from Heilman and Heilman from Zagars. The requests were denied, according to court documents,

Hobbard, the other neighbor to file a report against Heilman, told police he feared for his family’s safety after what he calls escalating threats of violence from Heilman. Hobbard also writes in his complaint that Heilman shined a laser into his home.

Both Hobbard and Zagars complain of Heilman videotaping the streets from a camera hidden behind tinted windows and using a public address system to harass neighbors.

Details about how the friendships between Heilman and his neighbors dissolved vary. In their requests for protective orders, both Zagars and Hobbard said they distanced themselves from Heilman after his behavior began to concern them. Both said they feared for their families.

Bob Mann, who lives next door to Heilman, said Sunday evening he had warned Zagars to stay away from Heilman. Mann said Heilman was known to carry two handguns on his person.

“I just kept telling Mike to stay away,” Mann said.

Heilman’s daughter, McManus, said her father had a license to carry the weapons and did so after on-the-job injuries left him unable to defend himself.

For her, the worst part of the weekend is the senseless losses for both families.

“It’s a tragedy because neither families have a father anymore,” McManus said.

As of Monday, officials haven’t made a determination of what caused Saturday’s violent confrontation, AST spokeswoman Megan Peters said, although an investigation is ongoing.

“Considering both parties are deceased, it’s going to be really hard to pinpoint what transpired,” Peters said.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252

Andrew Wellner contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2009 Frontiersman

Comments

69 comment(s)

    FORUMBLOG wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:51 AM:

    " I THINK THIS HAS BECOME A FORUM AND ENOUGH ALREADY!!! "

    To sad but true wrote on Jun 12, 2008 12:16 PM:

    " I never suggested that you are a criminal, I suggested that you sure seem to know a lot of people that get pulled over. The average, good citizen does not get pulled over all the time. You come across as an expert or someone that has some inside information on AST and its issues. Are you talking about Corruption? Money laundering? Criminal Acts? Racial profiling? Stolen evidence? Lazy Troopers? What? Lets hear them? Put your money where your mouth is. It sounds to me like you have an ax to grind and your just slinging cheap words and accusations "

    sad but true wrote on Jun 12, 2008 8:49 AM:

    " A reality check is needed.If anybody dares to suggest that there is a problem with the police, it is immediately suggested they are a criminal. I have NEVER BEEN ARRESTED. There has been a problem in Juneau for YEARS but its leadership denied it. There has been a problem with sexual abuse in the churches for YEARS and its leadership denied it. I am Catholic by the way. THERE ARE PROBLEMS IN AST and its leadership is denying it. They need a complete overhaul and new leadership in place. Wherever there is dysfunction, there is screaming denial. "

    john the j wrote on Jun 11, 2008 4:43 AM:

    " do not confuse myself with john j. jj "

    amen to GOV is not the answer.... wrote on Jun 10, 2008 4:42 PM:

    " Well said. Think about the colossal waste of money if troopers were assigned to neighborhoods. What are there, 1 or 2 neighborhood shootings per year? Compared to how many drunks and speeders out on the highway? The troopers are right where they should be. "

    To sad but true wrote on Jun 10, 2008 3:50 AM:

    " So why are you complaining about the troopers? They dont allocate your taxes to their needs, they dont lobby in Juneau, they are just out there trying to do a job. Contact your representative in Juneau if you dont like it that the troopers are under funded. Contact Juneau if you dont like it that the troopers are short of man power. Profiling? Oh please, you watch to much TV. Here's a news flash for you. ALL CRIMINALS DRIVE CARS. How do you think most of them are found? Maybe you should hang out with a better class of people. "

    Gov is not the answer wrote on Jun 10, 2008 3:37 AM:

    " You people that are always complaining about AST and the courts for not being more proactive need to understand this simple concept. The law and our state constitution only allow the police/courts to step in "after the fact", after a crime or an infraction has been committed.This is to guarantee that your rights, that every ones rights are protected. Or would you prefer an armed cop on your corner controlling everyone that comes and goes in your neighborhood including you and your family? "Papers please!". No thanks. I'll be responsible for my own personal safety. "

    stupid people wrote on Jun 9, 2008 11:47 PM:

    " You people kill me! You complain and criticize the AST but are willing to do nothing about it yourselves. God forbid you should pay more in taxes or give up a bit of your PFD to actually pay for a police force anywhere. Secondly more are injured and killed by reckless driving and speeding than my violent crimes so logically more money is directed towards safety on the roads. Until you are willing to put your money and time towards an improvement, bite your tongue! "

    Debracadabra wrote on Jun 8, 2008 12:29 PM:

    " What a sad story. I feel for everyone involved, even the cops. I find some irony in the fact that Mr Z was unable to attain a restraining order, as I've known several women who have out and out lied to the judge and received them. Nonetheless, a restraining order does not protect you....if it is violated, you may call the police and hope they make it out in time to catch the person violating it. Lock and load valley residents...its your right and your duty. "

    Sad but true wrote on Jun 7, 2008 12:16 PM:

    " AST has NO PROPERTY CRIMES UNIT to investigate burglaries. I have talked to dozens of business owners over the years who don't even bother to report thefts and break ins any more because nothing ever comes of the report.
    And as for traffic violations, the working poor are profiled and targeted, not criminals. It's a joke among alot of guys that they can drive the big expensive company truck but as soon as they get in their older personal vehicle, they will be pulled over. Just like in Juneau, IT'S ALWAYS BEEN DONE THIS WAY. "

    Valley Granny wrote on Jun 6, 2008 7:35 PM:

    " (DD wrote
    My neighbor shot my dog and I hate to pay fees, he got away with everything, even though I had evidence. The way the laws are set now, any crazy with guns is allowed to shoot them even next door to you.)

    DD what the heck are you talking about? What fees? Got away with what? What evidence?

    I'm GLAD we can keep guns! I keep one next to my bed. "

    annonymous wrote on Jun 6, 2008 12:59 PM:

    " I have read all the comments written over the past several days. All I have to say is "Stop Blaming the Troopers"! Most of you have no idea what they deal with on a daily basis. They don't have ticket writting quotas. You would be amazed how many DUI's are in the middle of the day caught by a minor traffic stop. Ride with a Trooper for a day it'll be an eye opener as to the crap they have to contend with. My hats off to all Law Enforcement!! "

    Wasilla Patrol wrote on Jun 6, 2008 10:15 AM:

    " Has anyone here ever actually gotten a 2mp over the speed limit ticket by AST? They usually only start after 10+, and they have no problem finding those idiots on our streets daily!

    Email the Wasilla Patrol and check out the google crime map - then think about joining the electronic neighborhood watch- report suspicious activity online for follow up by the patrol- verified activities will be passed on to AST/WPD "

    TO To BARB wrote on Jun 6, 2008 3:57 AM:

    " You sound very uneducated right now. Comment back when you become intellgient enough to realize that mike is dead because he tried to protect himself from his "bad neighbor" and AST didnt do anything about it. "

    DD wrote on Jun 6, 2008 12:17 AM:

    " I think we are losing sight of the fact that the laws in affect say that a person can shoot guns on their property outside of the city limits,even in residential areas.The man that committed the crime, wouldn't have been allowed to...from what i've read; wave around weapons,put a sniper light on a man,or the other offenses that culminated up to the point of the shooting itself.I'm not saying we have the best police state or city,or that their efforts are always put in the best places, but how can you enforce laws that dont exist? "

    To Barb.... wrote on Jun 5, 2008 4:07 PM:

    " And almost every time AST pulls someone over for going 2 mph over or for having a headlight out, they get a drunk who is driving a deadly weapon, their car, or an idiot who has no drivers license or car insurance. There are far more dangers out there on the highway than in our neighborhoods. Keep up the good work AST. Most of us can protect ourselves against bad neighbors. By solving the problems on the highways you are likely helping solve neighborhood problems at the same time. "

    Barb wrote on Jun 5, 2008 8:26 AM:

    " to stop ur crying: OMG a burough police force?!?! Another bureaucracy
    interested only in revenue generating
    traffic tickets and NO INTEREST in property or personal crimes. The troopers are stretched thin because
    every single one of them has somebody pulled over for going 2 miles over the
    speed limit or a headlight out. That's AST's version of SERVE AND PROTECT!! "

    Sherry Schulz wrote on Jun 5, 2008 7:45 AM:

    " Mike was one of the nicest guys I ever meet. He helped me out, working on my home. He was a people person with a great heart. I think he wins the best Dad Award ! I Think that the system has failed us once again! I hope that the AST and the court system will take a long look at THE SYSTEM. I am tired of the lack of services here in the Valley.
    Mike Zagers was the best of the best and he was let down by THE SYSTEM. "

    Slow Poke wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:25 PM:

    " To Barb,

    So you are saying that one of the kids bikes was hit by a bullet and the Troopers did nothing? How long agao and who was the Trooper? I cant imagine that Law Enforcement would blak at that and tell the kids to stay away from the street.

    So these tickets you speak of that generat so much revenue, who gets that money because surely the Troopers dont. "

    Slow Poke wrote on Jun 4, 2008 7:23 PM:

    " Both the men involved including the other neighbor have a stakeholdership in the whole ordeal. One wasnt the saint over the other. In no way does it justify murder. the one antagonized his neighbor a bit more than he should have and the neighborhood knows this to be true. I feel for both families involved here. "

    Slow Poke wrote on Jun 4, 2008 7:17 PM:

    " Its always the Troopers fault . Whether you get a ticket or you stuff gets stolen its always the Troopers fault.

    If you people who are giving opinion about the law and how to enforce it , then maybe you should all become tropers or police. Maybe you shoudl sacrifice your family's lives as well as your own to protect the community in which we all live. The Police and Troopers are everyday citizens as well. They cant solve all of your problems or be there before the poo hits the fan . "

    Moot point now..... wrote on Jun 4, 2008 5:32 PM:

    " It is truly amazing how many of you are willing to take away someone else's constitutional rights, just to make sure you are "safe".Also, expecting law enforcement to keep you safe and protect you is like hoping you win the lottery. The troopers are really nothing more than a "cleanup" crew. Anyone who thinks otherwise is living in a pink cloud. Zager should have had a gun and used it. He might still be alive had he been prepared to defend himself using deadly force. Why he didn't is beyond me. "

    stop your crying wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:02 AM:

    " Instead on relying on the state in the form of the troopers to fix our problems in the Mat-Su borough we should be coming up with our own solutions in the form of a borough police force that will have more time and resources then the trooper who are stretched to thin. "

    Unbelieveable wrote on Jun 4, 2008 8:05 AM:

    " The truth hurts. The neighbors all over the neighborhood talk of Hilman's deranged actions. He snapped and point blank killed an incredible man over nothing. Nothing is worth taking the life of another. After so many signs.... letters and restraining orders from neighbors, guns being waved in public, threats screamed out the windows, servalance cameras (for what!)....... why didn't the police do something. The police need to learn from this. Hilman should have received several visits from the Troopers. Never let this happen again! "

    Living in H E double L wrote on Jun 4, 2008 8:04 AM:

    " Usually, people like Fred move to the end of the road somewhere. Talkeetna has always been a great collector of the weird. Nobody thought anything about it. Our neighborhood is no different than most. Bedroom community, people isolated in the cocoon of their cars from home to work and back. Add in a little inconsiderate rudeness along the way and before you know it people hate each other. Our neighborhood started out with friendly potlucks, and has ended up with a nightmare homeowners association complete with nothing but attorneys and lawsuits. Stay with potlucks. "

    JAK ZAGARS wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:38 AM:

    " WHY SOMETHING WAS NEVER DONE FOR ALL THE YEARS THAT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON ILL NEVER KNOW MIKE HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS GUY FOR YEARS AND YET HE GOT AWAY WITH CARRYING A GUN AROUND THE BLOCK? HELLO? MIKE WAS MY BROTHER INLAW AND HE WAS SO HAPPY WITH THE NEW LIFE HE WAS STARTING WITH HIS NEW WIFE AND HOME. MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL OF THE FAMILY. THIS IS JUST SO WRONG. MIKE ZAGARS I LOVE YOU AND YOU ARE TRULEY MISSED. YOUR BRO CW IS SO LOST WITH OUT YOU,NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW LOVEJAKZAGARS. "

    Barb wrote on Jun 4, 2008 5:54 AM:

    " When my son was 11 years old he and a couple of his friends were riding bikes down this street when a man came out of his house and started yelling and fired his gun at them hitting one of the boys bicycles.
    All the moms called the police, but we were told basically just to stay away from that street which the boys never went down again. Another paranoid nutcase with a gun.
    Guess if there is no opportunity to generate revenue by writing a ticket (no insurance, jay walking), the troopers had no interest. "

    DD wrote on Jun 4, 2008 1:04 AM:

    " There needs to be residential restrictions on firearms not just within the city limits, but outside the city limits as well. My neighbor shot my dog and I hate to pay fees, he got away with everything, even though I had evidence. The way the laws are set now, any crazy with guns is allowed to shoot them even next door to you. Some of these problems might be taken care of then or at least extinguished a little before they esculate to the unfortunate situation we have at hand here. "

    angry mom- wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:25 PM:

    " I'm angry because we had a situation like this in our Wasilla neighborhood a few years ago. Lucky for our neighborhood, the gun and camera weilding nutjob died of natural causes. The troopers did NOTHING to help! In fact, AST claimed that yelling death threats (if on their own property) while other are walking past is "FREEDOM OF SPEACH!" The problems with our nutjob began with a threatening dog.

    AST should be taking these neighborhood problems seriuosly BEFORE fatalities. Instead they are more concerned about writing tickets- gotta think about revenue! "

    Jessica LaBoucane wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:25 PM:

    " I just wanted to say that I am truley sorry for all the friends and family of both parties.I have known Fred for the past 3 years or so.I want to say that he is a wonderful man.He was always there for me to talk to and he was there if I needed anything at all.He had a huge heart and he had a way to make people smile.To all the poeple that are talking about him,please remember that his daughter has to read all of this.Please,have a heart and keep those mean things to yourself. "

    bob wrote on Jun 3, 2008 6:24 PM:

    " sad "

    wrote on Jun 3, 2008 2:26 PM:

    " I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Praying for you, Michael, Antone and the whole family. "

    Wasilla Patrol wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:57 AM:

    " If you read the ADN.COM article, you will hear more about this situation them we have here, it is worth reading. "

    Wasilla Patrol wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:42 AM:

    " Deepest sympathies go out to all affected, this was something that should have been fixed long ago, but it is difficult to deal with problem neighbors by yourself. A community can be heard much louder then a single family or person. We have another area on Seldon with questionable actions (Stabbing) and we have not learned any more about that. If you have a situation in your area that you feel is not being resolved, contact us, together as a whole, we can get responces when needed, we can not always simply say we reported it, and wait. "

    Chris McKown wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:25 AM:

    " I've read many comments about the character of Michael Zanger, I am so sorry for his family's and the Wasilla community's loss. I never had the privilage of meeting him. I did however meet Fred Heilman at his sons marriage to my sister. I met a gracious and thoughtful man. I believe he struggled in the years that followed to deal with a condition that obviously affected his life and those around him. His family did offer their love and support,while juggling several tours of duty in Afganistan. They deserve our respect as well. "

    wondering wrote on Jun 3, 2008 5:31 AM:

    " zagars was no angel if you look at his criminal record from Kotzebue, but he certainly did not deserve to die the way he did. There are two sides to every story, unfortunately, things had spinning out of control for a very long time. "

    LR wrote on Jun 2, 2008 10:11 PM:

    " Mike Zagars was a great father, & a good friend! If you needed help he was always quick to lend a hand. He seemed to get along with everyone, that is why this is so hard to understand? How could someone hate Mike enough to gun him down! He had already moved out of the neighborhood with his new bride of 5 days because of his neighbors threats and was only stoping by the old house to do some maintenance. The Zagars Family Memorial account has been set up at Wells Fargo for anyone who would like to help. "

    Campbells wrote on Jun 2, 2008 10:07 PM:

    " I am soooo sorry. Michael and Antone your dad was a Great guy. Anytime we needed help with something if we asked he was always there to give a hand. I hope that everything works out for the both of you. You both are great kids. (young men)I know your dad will truly be missed by everyone. And for the new Mrs. Zagars I am glad that you became a great part of his life. I am very sorry.You were just starting a new journey in your life. I hope that you are doing well. My deepest sympathy. "

    Heilman wrote on Jun 2, 2008 8:48 PM:

    " This tragic set of circumstances was created by neighbors who failed completely in reducing tension and resolving their issues ... not by the family of Fred Heilman. "Im Sorry," your post is the most insensitive, asinine statement I've read.

    In light of our distance, to those of you who have extended your heart and reached in with a hand of compassion, helping us to better understand the details of the event and current situation, thank you. "

    Im sorry wrote on Jun 2, 2008 3:50 PM:

    " but the Heilmans would have done better to help Mr. Heilman than preach to those here.
    Mr. Zagars was also a Father. "

    anon-e-mouse wrote on Jun 2, 2008 10:50 AM:

    " As I understand thru a neighbor, the perpetrator was threatening to blow up his house and take the neighborhood with it. That is cause to evacuate and for AST to be very careful in considering the safety of the neighborhood. Sadly, I understand the dispute was on-going and that the perpetrator was more paranoid over time, certainly a threat to all. Too bad the man could not be helped, but not everyone wants help. Most of us just want to live quiet peacefull lives. Most sincere condolences to the Zagars family, you are in our hearts and prayers. "

    REnee wrote on Jun 2, 2008 8:08 AM:

    " If there had been MULTIPLE times this man was reported to the law enforcement, why didn't the law enforcement/courts do something before this happened.When will Alaskans start holding the law enforcement/courts responsible for not doing there job.
    Protect and Serve remember.
    May God Bless this family in there time of need.
    REnee' "

    anonymous wrote on Jun 2, 2008 5:52 AM:

    " Mike was one of the good guys. Always quick to smile and looking for the next adventure. My thoughts and prayers go out to his boys and his family. "

    As Usual wrote on Jun 2, 2008 5:46 AM:

    " The Frontiersman reporters get sooo many facts wrong.. holy cow. "

    Heilman wrote on Jun 2, 2008 2:41 AM:

    " Do you know why Love instructs us not to judge? It's because there are those of us who are still living and now face a very difficult set of circumstances we certainly did not choose nor deserve. Fred was my Father-in-Law. His son served honorably in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. He has 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Before launching your words, it would be wise to consider whether they will help or hurt the people left to cope with the loss and devastating situation. Matt 7:1-6 "

    Slow Poke wrote on Jun 2, 2008 1:47 AM:

    " I think its wild that when AST or the Police shoot somoene the community complains and when they show restraint and try not to lose another life in a volitile situation and not shoot someone, the comunity complains. I am sure no one here works for the Police or knows what its like to walk in thier shoes. Surely when the bullets fly most run away from the shots while a few risk going home to thier kids running towards the shots.

    Its sad that many lives were affected by this ordeal "

    unanimous wrote on Jun 1, 2008 11:26 PM:

    " the family WAS notified of Zagars death at about 9 pm Saturday night, not 10 a.m. Sunday morning if that was bothering anyone else "

    Toby wrote on Jun 1, 2008 10:39 PM:

    " "Clearly, the 2nd Amendment is antiquated" Taking away the right to have a gun will not stop anything. Every gang member will still have a gun and most nut cases will still have guns because they do not buy them legally. Why don't you fight to take away the right to buy alcohol and automobiles. More people are killed by automobile accidents than by guns. "

    katheranne wrote on Jun 1, 2008 10:38 PM:

    " I knew Micheal he was a great man and I met him while walking my dog. My dog had seen his dogs and he ran after them. i screamed and was dragged across the street.Michael came out and offered a hand. His dogs were fun and playful. Frank however had a problem with our dogs too.My dog bit his dog in the neck and we had to pay him but he also took a video tape and taped our dogs.I think he was a very disturbed man he intentionaly tried to provoke our dogs but he was polite. "

    anonymous wrote on Jun 1, 2008 10:13 PM:

    " Fred was a physco..thats all what anyone needs to know..the Zagars family does not deserve this..first their mother passed away...now their father..this is so sad...no one deserves anything like this..im at a loss of words right now..its so unbelieveable that Mike Zagars is not here anymore..God Bless..Your in our prayers Michael and Anthony.. "

    Uncle Billy V. wrote on Jun 1, 2008 9:18 PM:

    " This was a sad day,As I work with his brother Chris in Washington state.We were all camping wend Chris and Jack found out
    about his brother Sunday they just got marry last Tuesday.Our Hearts and prayers
    are with the Zagers,I Know in our Hearts
    He is in Heaven we will miss Michael.Chris has a lot of support here were all like one big family at work.
    Uncle Billy and Paula "

    Prayers of comfort and peace wrote on Jun 1, 2008 8:54 PM:

    " Our prayers are for the boys, Michael and Antone. Their mother died 8 years ago, and now their incredible father. God Bless Them. "

    AJ wrote on Jun 1, 2008 8:51 PM:

    " Mike was a very nice man, so full of life and a good neighbor. I hope for the sake of the Zagers there will be justice. My prayers are with you. "

    Guns Are Soooo Great wrote on Jun 1, 2008 7:41 PM:

    " Clearly, the 2nd Amendment is antiquated when it is so clearly being used over 200 years later to justify the senseless killings that happen throughout our beloved country. Time for it to go.

    http://360.yahoo.com/guns_are_soooo_great "

    Sad wrote on Jun 1, 2008 7:14 PM:

    " This man threatened Zagers for years, took him to court several times, and was spying on everyone in the neighborhood.He had no reason to shoot Zagers, He had children and now they have to suffer. He shot him mulitiple times. He deserves to rot in jail. or better yet, die. i hope the cops know now that they should have listened when they heard about him threatening for years, they should have taken action, and Zagers would still have his life, and his children would still have a father. "

    No Comment wrote on Jun 1, 2008 6:19 PM:

    " When you reported that people were not forced to leave that is not true. My family was forced to evacuate so troopers and other officers could observe the scene from our bedroom windows. They told us were in the line of fire. They made my grandmother leave wearing her nightgown. We had to stay out of our home for almost 24 hours. "

    anon wrote on Jun 1, 2008 5:58 PM:

    " WE are all grieving over what happend to Mr. Zagar. It is a horrible tragedy that a devoted man and father lost his life because we live in a world with nutcases, like his neighbor. I wish that the police had taken him out sooner. WE dont need creeps like that haunting our families. "

    anonymous wrote on Jun 1, 2008 4:54 PM:

    " RIP Mike. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family. Words cannot be said on how sorry I am to everybody, especially to the boys(what a tragedy). We don't know what will happen, but whoever is responsible WILL answer in this life or the next. I hope you take comfort in knowing that there is one more angel watching over us. "

    k c wrote on Jun 1, 2008 4:34 PM:

    " thank god i live in alaska, where the instant gratification mentality urging the immediate capture of this guy is kept in check by officers with common sense. he's not goin anywhere and i assume he is inocent until proven guilty in a court of law, as our constitution guarantees all of us. "

    Cheryl Campbell wrote on Jun 1, 2008 4:12 PM:

    " Mike was a wonderful father and friend and I hope the troopers put an end to this soon! His boys have no father now, and this murderer will probably end up being supported by us the rest of his miserable life! Prayers to you Antone and Michael. "

    Galen Rupe wrote on Jun 1, 2008 3:56 PM:

    " The Troopers have know about this nutcake threatening multiple neighbors for a long time. They didn't do their job then, just like they aren't doing it now. Why should we expect anything different? They can't write seat-belt or insurance tickets here so they aren't in a hurry. They should take him out NOW one way or another.. "

    JohnJ wrote on Jun 1, 2008 3:39 PM:

    " Also, one more thing! One life has been lost already, why make it two or more if AST has to invade the place!!! "

    JohnJ wrote on Jun 1, 2008 3:38 PM:

    " We don't know the whole story yet on this issue. Everyone already assumes that Mr. Zagars is the victim. Maybe he instigated the confrontation and the shooter is just scared! "

    MJ wrote on Jun 1, 2008 3:18 PM:

    " What a horrible tragedy over the dispute of an animal..one that will last a lifetime in the eyes of this community and the Lives of Mr. Zagars family and his children. I only know him by seeing him as an active participant over the many years of activities with his children. What I witnessed was a very proud father. In the midst of this tremendous storm may we all count our own blessings. Reach out to this shocked and hurting family in kindness and in deeds, in prayer and heartfelt sympathy, in generiosity & Support. "

    wow wrote on Jun 1, 2008 3:06 PM:

    " To go in after the nut would have been stupid. Another life could have been lost,then we could mourn losing a police officer there jobs are hard enough my heart goes out to the family "

    anonymous wrote on Jun 1, 2008 2:41 PM:

    " RIP Mr Zagars. Whoever killed him deserves to die for his sin. "

    Amazed... wrote on Jun 1, 2008 1:40 PM:

    " How ridiculous is this that the situation is allowed to go on this long? Mr. Zagars was murdered last night and this nutcase has been barricading himself in that house since yesterday? No one can get into the neighborhood, people have been evacuated from their homes! AST should have gotten that murderer out of there already! Our hearts go out to the Zagars boys- their Dad was a great guy. "

    LaVancha Lankford wrote on Jun 1, 2008 11:02 AM:

    " What are the troopers waiting for ? 12 hours later , this crazy man has killed someone and their holding up getting this man out of his house...enough already , done talking , tear gas him out and get it over with !!! No hostage to worry about so , get on with their job and get this guy out , now , one way or another .The poor man that has been killed has family waiting for the troopers to do SOMETHING ! Their in horrible grief and need all our prayers . "

    Wasilla Patrol wrote on Jun 1, 2008 5:49 AM:

    " My sincere regrets go out to the family of the victem, this appears to have been the result of a argument over pets that got way out of hand. Once the entire story comes out I hope those who know both famiies will comfort them in their time of need. God Bless. "

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