2017 Fairbanks Hatchet Murderer receives conviction

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) -

On Monday, June 5, 2023 Fairbanks Superior Court Judge Paul Lyle sentenced 55-year-old Brett Gilbert to 75 years in prison for the murder of Mark Mitchell that took place on July 30th, 2017. Gilbert was convicted by a jury of Murder in the First Degree earlier this year in February.

The brutal murder took place at a now-closed bar called Club Manchu in Fairbanks. Gilbert was seen on security video repeatedly slashing Mitchell with a hatchet, that he had concealed on his person, inside the club. Mitchell ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Court documents claim Gilbert brought the hatchet to the bar, and that he attacked Mitchell without warning. In a February 2023 trial Gilbert stated, “He was scared of Mitchell,” and argued that he acted out heat of passion. The jury found Gilbert guilty. This verdict caused him to face up to 99 years in prison.

According to a press release, Judge Lyle ruled Mitchell’s murder was brutally premeditated and stated that, “Gilbert took away Mitchell’s right to live a full and natural life.” Lyle further found Gilbert’s prospects for rehabilitation to be guarded.

On June 5, 2023, Gilbert was sentenced to 75 years in prison for Murder in the First Degree with none of that time suspended. Gilbert has been in custody since July 31, 2017 and he will remain in the custody of the Department of Corrections.

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