Man Charged with 1st Degree Murder
By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

October 01, 2012
Monday

(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Alaska State Troopers' Ketchikan and Klawock posts both responded Saturday to the report of the suspicious death of 67 year-old Leona Meely in Metlakatla.

At the request of the Metlakatla Police Department, the Alaska State Troopers assumed case responsibility and obtained and served search warrants. Investigation by the troopers reportedly revealed Meely allegedly died from injuries sustained in a physical altercation that had taken place in a residence on 8th Street.

According to information release by the Alaska State Troopers, William Buxton (29), who also lives at the same residence, was developed as a suspect early in the investigation. Buxton was ultimately charged with Murder in the First Degree. He was transported to and incarcerated at the Ketchikan Correctional Center with bail set at $100,000.

Meely's next of kin were notified and her body is being transported to Anchorage for an autopsy to determine cause of death. The investigation is continuing.

Metlakatla is located at Port Chester on the west coast of Annette Island, 15 miles south of Ketchikan. A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community - the Metlakatla Indian Community.

Any charges are merely accusations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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