Wasilla residents identified in Denali Highway double homicide

DENALI HIGHWAY — Alaska State Troopers have identified two Wasilla residents as the victims of an incident they are investigating as a double homicide.

Richard A. Casler, 61, and Lynn M. Butler, 42, of Wasilla both died of gunshot wounds, according to State Medical Examiner’s Office autopsies.

The two were reported missing around 9 p.m., July 3 from a campsite near Mile 79, Denali Highway.

“Initial responding troopers found evidence suggesting an altercation involving gunfire associated with their vehicle and camper trailer,” troopers said in a dispatch statement.

Following a two-day search of the area using trooper aircraft and Wilderness Search and Rescue volunteers, troopers say they heard noises coming from a dilapidated trailer in the area, and evidence outside associated with the missing couple around 4 p.m., Sunday.

Troopers established a perimeter and attempted communication, but received no reply from the trailer’s occupants, according to trooper dispatch statements.

Northern Special Emergency Reaction Team and Southcentral Emergency Response Team, members responded to the scene and entered the trailer where both Casler and Butler were found deceased, troopers said.

Troopers say they have concluded the on-scene portion of the investigation. However, the Alaska Bureau of Investigation is continuing to investigate the deaths as a double homicide.

People that area of the Denali Highway during the Fourth of July weekend, or anyone with information about this incident, should contact troopers at 907-451-5100.