Crime
49-year-old John Sibole Fatally Shot in Willow Following Dispute, Suspect in Custody
WILLOW, Alaska – A confrontation over an earlier dispute led to a fatal shooting Monday night in Willow, according to charging documents filed by Alaska State Troopers.
Authorities responded to a 911 call at approximately 9:15 p.m. on North McKinley Way, near Willow Townsite Food Mart along the Parks Highway.
Upon arrival, troopers discovered 49-year-old John Sibole deceased at the scene.
31-year-old Jared Higgins was arrested in connection with the shooting.
According to an affidavit filed by Investigator Craig Markiewicz, the altercation stemmed from an earlier dispute between Higgins and a female family member of Sibole.
The woman had gone to Higgins’ residence earlier in the day to assist with cleaning and gathering firewood. When she asked Higgins for help, an argument ensued.
Charging documents state that Higgins refused to assist, leading to a physical altercation in which he allegedly shoved the woman.
She responded by pushing him back before leaving the residence with several children.
Later that evening, Sibole arrived at the home to confront Higgins regarding the incident.
Higgins told investigators that Sibole struck him multiple times on the side of the face, prompting him to fire a gunshot into Sibole’s abdomen.
After the shooting, Higgins called 911.
According to the affidavit, he exited the home with the firearm pointed downward. However, multiple witnesses, including the woman and other adults performing CPR on Sibole, reported that Higgins pointed the weapon at them during the ordeal.
Audio captured from 911 calls featured three individuals yelling at Higgins to “stop pointing his firearm at them”, according to Investigator Markiewicz.
Troopers observed minor injuries on Higgins’ ear and face, which they noted in the report.
Higgins was taken into custody and booked at the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility.
He faces charges of:
- Second-degree murder
- Three counts of third-degree assault
Higgins remained jailed as of Tuesday, with his first court appearance scheduled for later that afternoon.
The Alaska State Troopers continue to investigate the incident.
Merced Police Department officers are actively investigating a shooting that occurred near Merino Park in North Merced on Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area following multiple reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the park.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers located a gunshot victim near the intersection of Morning Dove Avenue and Sunrise Drive, just east of Merino Park.
First responders rendered aid at the scene before the victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The extent of the victim’s injuries has not yet been disclosed.
A short time later, officers detained an individual in the surrounding area.
At this time, it remains unclear whether the person taken into custody is the suspected shooter or otherwise involved in the incident.
Authorities have not released any additional details regarding a motive or the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Investigators remain on scene, canvassing the area and gathering evidence.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
The Merced Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Further updates will be provided as more details become available.