A Point Hope man is charged with murdering his roommate in a shooting on Aug. 14.
Court records show 33-year-old Lennie Tuzroyluk is also accused of evidence tampering, weapons misconduct and assault in Peter Frankson’s death.
Officers responded to a call Wednesday night that Frankson had been shot. Medics arrived at Frankson’s home and pronounced him dead on the scene.
Officers say they found Tuzroyluk highly intoxicated and uncooperative. They say Tuzroyluk told them he had been drinking for four days.
Tuzroyluk allegedly told the officers that he and Frankson had gotten into a fight while holding a rifle, during which Frankson shot himself.
Officers saw a rifle cartridge on the floor, which would have required someone to manually eject it. They say Tuzroyluk admitted to taking a round out of the rifle, placing the gun on Frankson’s body and putting his finger on the trigger.
Tuzroyluk remains in custody in Utqiagvik. His next court hearing is set for August 26 at the Kotzebue Courthouse.
