Two Rivers man dead after blunt force trauma

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The Alaska State Troopers arrested Wesley Cruikshank for the murder of Ashton Gasper-Scavette on June 16, 2023.

After responding to an emergency call in Two Rivers, Alaska, first responders found Ashton Gasper-Scavette with injures. He later died and Wesley “Scotty” Cruikshank was arrested for the murder of Gasper-Scavette.

At 12:45 a.m. on June 16, troopers were notified of a medical emergency at a residence near mile 23 of Chena Hot Springs Road. Upon arrival first responders located and began to treat 43-year-old Ashton Gasper-Scavette of Two Rivers. Gasp-Scavette was found with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. Despite life saving efforts, Gasper-Scavette died at his residence in Two Rivers.

Preliminary investigation determined that 34-year-old Wesley Cruikshank had allegedly attacked Gasper-Scavette without cause. The other adult at the residence during the attack said that Cruikshank had fled into the woods.

Cruikshank remained on the run for nearly 8 hours. Around 8:30 a.m., Cruikshank was spotted by a citizen, in the area of the mile 23 of Chena Hot Springs Road. After being located by law enforcement, Cruikshank was arrested without incident. He was then remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center and charged with Murder 1.

Gasper-Scavette’s next of kin have been notified and his body is being sent to the state medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.

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