HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION: 1100-BLOCK E 56th AVE

UPDATE: At approximately 9:07 PM on February 1, 2025, APD officers were dispatched to the 1100-block of E 56th Avenue, in reference to an altercation between two male adults. As a result of the altercation, one of the male adults suffered a stab wound to his upper body. APD officers and AFD medics rendered aid and transported the victim to a local hospital for what were believed to be life-threatening injuries.

The suspect fled the area on foot but was located nearby and detained by officers. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Sebastian Goettling, was transported to the Anchorage Police Department for questioning by detectives. After the detectives’ interviews, Goettling was remanded at the Anchorage Correctional Complex and charged with Assault 1.

On February 13, 2025, the victim of the altercation, identified as 36-year-old Justin Wright, died as a result of his injuries.

On February 20, 2025, an Anchorage grand jury indicted Sebastian Goettling for two counts of Murder in the Second Degree and one count of Manslaughter.

ORIGINAL: Approximately 9:07PM, Swing Shift Patrol responded to the 1100-block of E 56th Avenue in reference to a disturbance with a knife. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim with a wound to the upper body. The victim has been transported to a hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

The suspect has been detained and there are no road closures or current public safety threat related to this incident.

APD Case 25-3535