A tragic incident unfolded in Fairbanks, Alaska, when a welfare check led to the discovery of a deceased child in an apartment. The Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) responded to a call on Friday, February 7, regarding a suspicious death after a woman, conducting a welfare check on her client, found a young boy dead inside the home. The caller, who had not heard from her client, Heather Alexie, 36, for some time, visited the apartment to check on Heather and her two children.
Upon entering the residence, the woman discovered the lifeless body of 6-year-old Peter Alexie. Heather Alexie and her 5-year-old daughter, Renee Alexie, were missing from the scene and could not be found in the Fairbanks area. Authorities determined that Peter was the victim of a homicide.
Investigators tracked Heather’s phone signal near Anchorage, and police issued a public alert regarding the missing mother and daughter. With help from the Anchorage Police Department (APD) and public assistance, Heather and Renee were located on Saturday evening, unharmed. Renee was taken into state custody for her safety.
During an interview with APD homicide detectives, Heather admitted to inflicting injuries that resulted in her son’s death before leaving for Anchorage with her daughter. She was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
FPD Chief Ron Dupee released a statement calling the case “incredibly tragic and heartbreaking.” He emphasized that the death of a child deeply impacts the community, law enforcement officers, and detectives, and assured the public that authorities are committed to seeking justice for Peter.
The FPD acknowledged the public’s desire for information but stated that law enforcement must withhold certain details due to the complexities of the investigation. They requested patience and understanding as authorities work through the case.
