Fairbanks Shooting Homicide Update

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - An update on a shooting that took place in the area of 27th Avenue and Mercier Street in Fairbanks have led Fairbanks Police Officers to apprehend four individuals identified as potential suspects. On June 7, 2022 Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) in coordination with local, state and federal agencies took Kevin Morese Robinson Jr. and Ryan Patrick Robinson into custody.

A press release from FPD stated both men share the last name but are not related to each other. During questioning, Kevin admitted to detectives that he had followed the victim identified as 21-year-old Robert Rones, blocked him in with a vehicle, exited the vehicle, then shot him.

Detectives were able to determine the motivation behind the shooting was due to a robbery that occurred in 2019, in which Kevin and Rones were co-defendants. The other suspect, Ryan Robinson admitted to detectives that he had driven one of the vehicles used to block the victim’s car. Ryan also stated that he knew Kevin wanted to assault the victim, and that he had given Kevin the gun used in the attack.

Officers were able to locate the weapon, a Glock Model 21 .45 caliber pistol, in Ryan’s vehicle. Detectives were able to determine it was the weapon used in the homicide, based on Ryan’s testimony.

Both men were charged with Murder in the 1st Degree.

Kevin Robinson Jr. has been charged for intentionally shooting the victim, resulting in his death. Ryan Robinson has been charged as an accomplice who blocked the victim’s vehicle, as well as providing Kevin with a gun, knowing his intent was to cause the victim injury.

The other two people present during the incident were interviewed by officers. The press release did not state if any charges were made.

In the original report on May 27th, 2022, Fairbanks Emergency Communication Center received a report of a shooting at the location listed above.

When officers arrived they found the victim had been shot several times in a vehicle that was located in the roadway.

After being transported to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Robert Rones was declared deceased.

Officers were able to obtain surveillance video from several businesses which showed, prior to the shooting, there were two vehicles that followed the victim’s car from a gas station that eventually blocked the front and back of the victim’s vehicle. In one of the video recordings, gunshots could be heard before the two suspects fled the scene.

Fairbanks Police Department stated in the report that this is an ongoing investigation, and they want to encourage anyone with any information to contact Detective Robert Hall at 907-450-6468.

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