Alaska Department of law says DNA evidence links Aspelund to mother’s murder
ANCHORAGE , Alaska - A Nikiski man has been convicted of both first-degree and second-degree murder, after being accused of killing his mother in 2022. According to a release issued today by the Alaska Department of Law, troopers responded to the Nikiski residence of Jeryl Ann Bates on Sept.
6, 2022, to conduct a welfare check at the request of her daughter. Bates’ daughter had not been able to reach her mother by phone, and Bates had not shown up for work that day. Upon arrival, troopers discovered Bates’ body with several apparent gunshot and stab wounds. An autopsy determined that Bates had been shot five times in the head and abdomen, and stabbed and cut several times with a knife. River John George Aspelund, 23, who shared the residence with his mother, was located and taken into custody. During the investigation, a .44 magnum and a large knife were found under the seat of a vehicle outside the residence, according to officials. A report says three empty shell casings were found in the revolver, with two empty casings found near Bates’ body. A forensic firearms analyst confirmed that the casings found near Bates’ body were fired from the revolver found under the seat of the vehicle. The analyst also confirmed DNA consistent with Aspelund was on the weapon. Troopers obtained footage showing Aspelund driving the vehicle roughly an hour before Bates was killed. Blood with Bates’ DNA was also found on clothes that Aspelund was wearing in the security video. Aspelund is being held without bail prior to sentencing. He faces between 30-99 years for the first-degree murder charge. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 9, 2025. On top of the murder charges, Aspelund was convicted of Manslaughter, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.Alaska woman charged in husband’s stabbing death just after anniversary
First-Degree River John George Aspelund Alaska News Nikiski Anchorage Alaska News Alaska's News Source
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