Body found near Eklutna identified as Houston man

EKLUTNA — Alaska State Troopers say a body found near a popular recreation destination between Anchorage and the Valley was that of a Houston man missing since before Christmas.

According to an AST press statement, the state medical examiner was able to determine that the body belonged to Loy Suthammavong, 30, who was reported missing Dec. 6, 2011.

“Suthammavong’s family reported he was last seen alive on about (Dec. 2),” troopers report.

The same day troopers began their investigation into his disappearance, their colleagues in Anchorage were unknowingly working the same case —Suthammavong’s vehicle was found set ablaze in South Anchorage. Anchorage cops and fire investigators ruled it an arson.

A hiker found his body on Tuesday near Eklutna. Troopers say he died as the result of a homicide. In legal terms, homicide means that one person killed another, whether it be accidental or intentional.

Troopers say that when they began looking for Suthammavong, they quickly learned he was about to begin serving a sentence on two felony drug charges. On Dec. 12, a judge issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to report to prison.

Troopers say they continued investigating, talking to friends and relatives “with prevailing concerns that he met with criminal violence of some sort,” the press statement says.

Anyone who knows something about what led up to Loy’s disappearance and death are asked to call troopers in Anchorage at (907) 269-5611.

Contact reporter Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.