Death Investigation: VFW Road; Eagle River

Update – February 28, 2023

On February 12, 2023, a deceased adult female was found on the side of VFW Road in Eagle River.  Due to observations made at the scene, police thought her death may have been as a result of a homicide.  As the investigation has progressed, and evidence has been obtained, police no longer believe her death is criminal in nature. 

After she passed, her body was placed on the roadway by someone known to her.  That person, 31-year-old Tony A. Harris, was charged with one count of Misconduct with a Corpse and two counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence.  He was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on those charges on February 17th.

Prior to notifying the public of these findings, detectives were waiting for further evidentiary test results.  The victim’s family was also notified of the update regarding the cause of death.

Update—February 14, 2023

This is now a homicide investigation.

 Anyone with information regarding this incident, to include surveillance footage of the area, and anyone who may have witnessed anyone in the area in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 11th, is asked to contact Detective Clark at  (907) 729-7604. Homicide Detectives are currently following up on leads and there is no suspect information to release at this time. The motive, and any relationship between the parties involved, is under investigation.

Original—February 12, 2023

On February 12, 2023 at 02:17AM, Anchorage Fire Department responded to a medic assist of a person lying near the road on VFW Rd, near the Eagle River Fire access road in Eagle River.  Medics arrived on scene and discovered a deceased person on the roadway. The medics advised APD officers on mid shift patrol that a vehicle vs pedestrian hit and run had possibly occurred. The Major Collision Investigation Unit conducted their investigation and called in members of the Crime Scene to take a closer look.

The details around the death are still under investigation. Ultimately the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.

 The victim’s name will be released once next-of-kin notification procedures have been completed.

 There are no road closures at this time.

 Anyone with information regarding this incident, to include surveillance footage of the area, is asked to contact Police Dispatch at 3-1-1 (option #1) or (907)786-8900 (option #0). Police are currently following up on leads and there is no suspect information to release at this time. The motive, and any relationship between the parties involved, is under investigation.

 APD Case: 23-4811