(SitNews) Klawock, Alaska - The Alaska State Troopers' Alaska Bureau of Investigation announced today it was determined Monday that 27-year-old Judylee Guthrie of Hydaburg had been the victim of a homicide. Investigation had developed Albert Macasaet III, age 27 of Hydaburg, as the sole suspect. After consultation with the Ketchikan District Attorney's Office, the Alaska State Troopers planned to make a warrantless arrest of Albert Macasaet on Tuesday (08/09/16) at the Klawock residence where he was residing.

At about 1:30 PM, Troopers attempted to contact Albert Macasaet and arrest him for Murder in the First Degree. However according to a press release, upon contact Albert Macasaet and a family member actively resisted the arrest, resulting in the Troopers retreating when Albert Macasaet produced a firearm. An arrest warrant for Murder in the First Degree was subsequently obtained.

Albert Macasaet barricaded himself inside the residence along with two other adults and three juveniles – ages 13, 7, and 3. Alaska State Troopers crisis negotiators contacted Albert Macasaet and the other adults at the residence via telephone and began the negotiation process.

After several hours wherein Albert Macasaet and the others refused to leave the residence, the AST Southcentral Special Emergency Reaction Team was deployed to the scene. Through continued negotiations, both of the other adults and the 13 year old left the residence by 6:30 PM; but Albert Macasaet remained inside with the 3 year old and 7 year old. Negotiations continued until approximately 11:25 PM, when the Southcentral Special Emergency Reaction Team successfully engaged in a tactical intervention that resulted in Albert Macasaet’s arrest. No injuries were sustained by any members of AST, either child, or Albert Macasaet.

Albert Macasaet was transported to Ketchikan to receive medical treatment for a possible drug overdose that occurred during the standoff with law enforcement. Once released he will be remanded on the charge of Murder 1, with additional charges expected for Resisting Arrest and Assault 3. Grand Jury is scheduled for August 18th in Ketchikan.

According to information provided in today's press release, successful investigation and apprehension of Albert Macasaet would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Southcentral Special Emergency Reaction Team, AST Crisis Negotiation Team, Craig Police Department, Klawock Police Department, U.S. Wildlife Service, and the Village Public Safety Officers in the area.

The investigation began on July 31, 2016 when Alaska State Troopers (AST) received a report of the death of Judylee Guthrie, 27 years-old of Hydaburg. Ms. Guthrie's body was found in a wooded area near Klawock on Prince of Wales Island.

Reporting & Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Bureau of Investigation
Alaska Department of Public Safety
www.dps.state.ak

 

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