2 People Found Dead in Vehicles in separate incidents, No Foul Play Suspected
On April 17 at approximately 9:27 p.m., Troopers conducted a welfare check on a 2006 Hyundai sedan located at the Bird Creek parking lot near mile 101.8 Seward Highway. Troopers found the occupant, Jeanluc Koa Papillion Marciel, age 22 of Anchorage, deceased.
And on April 25 at 7:41 p.m. in Girdwood, Jennifer D. Brady, age 59 of Eagle River, was found dead in her vehicle parked on Girdwood Place. Brady’s next of kin was notified. The State Medical Examiner responded and took custody of the body.
An investigation revealed that both deaths were the result of suicides.
“Suicides have taken too many Alaskan lives,” said Megan Peters, a spokesperson for the state troopers. “If you or somebody you know is having suicidal thoughts or tendencies, please reach out for help. There are resources available.”
One organization that offers help is Care Line Alaska, which provides a suicide prevention line. The number is 1-877-266-HELP (4357) or chat online at www.carelinealaska.com.
The Alaska State Troopers reported the following incidents. Any charges reported are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Search and Rescue
McHugh Creek—April 15 at around 7:05 p.m., Troopers received a 911 call from Dallas Brady Cox, age 18 of Anchorage, and Keenan Francis Casteel, age 32 of Anchorage, requesting assistance to get off the mountain near McHugh Creek. Both individuals attempted to hike to the top of the mountain when they realized they hiked away from the trail and become stuck in deep snow, becoming wet and cold. The Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Mountain Rescue Group (AMRG) and AST helicopter Helo 1 responded to the area and located the two individuals .7 miles away from McHugh Creek parking lot. Both subjects were flown to the parking lot without incident and reported no injuries.
Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—April 19 at around 6:36 p.m., Scott A. Vaughan, age 31 of Girdwood, was arrested on an outstanding Anchorage Police Department warrant for Failure To Satisfy Conditions. Vaughan was remanded without incident to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was set at $500.
Assault
GIRDWOOD—April 20 at about 10 p.m., Troopers responded to the Alyeska Hotel in Girdwood, for the report of a sexual assault. Troopers contacted Matthew Snyder, age 24 of Anchorage, and his girlfriend. During the investigation it was determined that no sexual assault had occurred. However, the girlfriend reported being physically assaulted by Snyder. Snyder was arrested for one count each of Assault 3 (DV) and Assault 4 (DV). Snyder was transported to the Anchorage jail and held on bail. The girlfriend was transported to the hospital for further treatment of injuries.
Theft
GIRDWOOD—April 21 at 10:45 a.m., David Marchi, age 36 of Bend, Ore., reported that unknown person(s) stole his bicycle sometime between 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. April 14. The bicycle was unsecured and unattended in the back of a pickup truck parked at the Crow Creek Mercantile store on Hightower Road in Girdwood. The bicycle was a gray 2010 Surly Pugsley, men’s 19” frame with large snow tires. The bicycle was valued at $2,100. The investigation is continuing.
Found Property
GIRDWOOD—April 22 at 5:10 p.m., Troopers responded to El Rocko and the Seward Highway to collect several power tools that had been discovered in a snow bank by a local resident. The tools were taken to the Girdwood Trooper post for safe keeping. If you are missing any power tools and can properly identify the items, please contact the Girdwood Trooper post to claim your property.
Driving While License Revoked
MILE 95 SEWARD HWY—April 27 at around 6:30 p.m., Troopers with the Girdwood Bureau of Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a black 2004 Nissan SUV for a moving violation near mile 95 of the Seward Highway. The driver was identified as Samantha M. Haney, age 23 of Anchorage. An investigation revealed Haney was driving with a revoked driver’s license. Haney was issued a misdemeanor citation for DWLR and a citation for the moving violation. The vehicle was released to a licensed driver from Anchorage.
No Valid Operating License
MILE 95 SEWARD HWY—April 26 at about 9:34 p.m., Troopers with the Girdwood Bureau of Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a green 1996 Chevrolet SUV near mile 95 of the Seward Highway after the driver, Orlando Laws was observed driving the vehicle. The Trooper had prior knowledge that Laws did not have a valid driver’s license. Laws was issued a misdemeanor citation for NVOL and released. The vehicle was released to a licensed passenger.
Driving While License Revoked, Marijuana Possession
MILE 106 SEWARD HWY—April 28 at around 2:05 p.m., Troopers stopped a 2008 Ford Fusion after it was reported as a REDDI near mile 106 Seward Highway. The driver, Christopher M. Vanni, age 22 of Girdwood, was found to have a revoked driver’s license and possessed marijuana in his vehicle. Vanni was issued a minor offense citation for a moving violation and two Misdemeanor Citations to appear in court for DWLR and MICS VI.
DUI, Refusal
GIRDWOOD—April 28 at about 10 p.m., Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a maroon Chevrolet truck after it backed into another vehicle in the Sitzmark parking lot in Girdwood. An investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, Linda M. Oertwich age 55 of Togiak, was driving while impaired by alcohol. Oertwich was arrested and transported to the Anchorage Jail. Oertwich also refused to provide a breath sample and was charged with refusal to submit to a chemical test. Bail was set at $1,250. The vehicle was released to her husband.
