Man dead, teen in custody following shooting in Wasilla

A Wasilla man is dead and a teen is in custody following a shooting in Wasilla April 27.

Dominic Murray, 21, suffered a single gunshot wound to the upper chest, according to the Wasilla Police Department.

WPD and Alaska State Troopers were called to a Wasilla residence after 11 p.m. April 27 and found Murray.

“Law enforcement and Mat-Su Borough EMS provided immediate life-saving measures. Murray was air-lifted to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, where he was later pronounced deceased,” WPD said in a press release issued Friday.

Police detained a 17-year-old male during the initial on-scene investigation, according to police

“The suspect was cooperative and described the incident as an accident. Investigators determined that a party was occurring at the residence at the time of the shooting, and that alcohol and marijuana were present,” WPD said. “The investigation revealed that the suspect and Murray were handling a pistol, and both had failed to ensure the firearm was unloaded. The suspect reported that he pulled the trigger while pointing the weapon at Murray’s chest, resulting in the fatal injury.”

The 17-year-old suspect was arrested and remanded to the Mat-Su Youth Facility in Palmer. He has been charged with manslaughter, first-degree assault and fourth-degree misconduct involving weapons.

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