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.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.