In a single month, Anchorage’s homicide rate exceeded Chicago’s. Here is another issue: why are the homicide reports not listed front and center on the Anchorage Police Department news headlines?
When a citizen visits APD’s “News & Information” page, they will find information on the latest traffic fatalities, the newest safety programs, updates about missing persons, current arrests and warrants, and critical incident summaries. However, to find the homicide reports, citizens must click “View All” to see the homicide report listings among the current press releases.
There have been 7 homicide reports released by APD this month. 7 murders in a population of 289,600 equals a homicide rate for Oct 2025 double that of Chicago. Chicago is home to 2,721,308 people and has suffered 26 murders this month. While approximately 1 murder per 100,000 people occurred in Chicago this month, approximately 2 murders per 100,000 people occurred in Anchorage.
On Oct 1, APD released a homicide report about the murder of Jason Ayojiak, who was attacked on July 7 near the Arby’s at 2850 C St. He was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on July 10. According to the report: “The investigation remains ongoing; no charges have been filed.” APD took nearly three months to publicly report the injustice perpetrated against Jason and his friends and family. Today, nearly another month after the report, justice has yet to be rendered.
On Oct 12, APD reported that 18-year-old Gera Levi died at the hospital following a violent attack on Oct 11. The attack occurred at the intersection of Richmond Ave and Taylor St in the Mountain View neighborhood. No charges have been filed.
Three days later, near the Circle K at 3500 C St, Charles Jackson, Jr was found dead on scene from a gunshot wound to his upper body. On the same day, Oct 15, APD charged Joshua Gibbs with Murder 2, Felon in Possession and Assault 3. Gibbs was remanded at the Anchorage Correctional Complex on his charges. The next day, the charges were updated to Murder 1, one count of Murder 2 and one count of Felon in Possession.
Three homicide reports followed only two days later. On Oct 17, an adult male and an adult female were found dead on scene near the American Red Cross at the intersection of Cordova St and 8. The next day, Mario Jackson was remanded to Anchorage Jail on 2 counts of Murder I and 2 counts of Murder II. An unrelated stabbing occurred on Oct 17 at the 200 Block of Fiddlehead Place. An adult female was viciously attacked and later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. This homicide is still under investigation, and no charges have been filed.
Just this past Monday, Oct 20, an adult male suffered a gunshot wound to his upper body and was declared dead at the hospital. The shooting took place at the Midtown Walmart. This homicide is also under investigation, and no charges have been filed.
