Fairbanks man killed by hatchet at southside bar, suspect arrested

At 7:15 pm on the evening of July 30th, Fairbanks Police were called to Club Manchu, located at 2712 Jesse Street, for a report of assault.

The caller reported that a single suspect had assaulted a victim with a stick and then fled the scene.

Upon arrival, officers found the victim with life threatening injuries from a hatchet and began CPR and first aid immediately.

The victim has been identified as 54-year-old Mark Allen Mitchell.

He was flown to Anchorage to treat his injuries but he died as a result of the attack.

His next of kin have been notified.

FPD has identified the suspect as 49-year-old Brett Mathew Gilbert.

He was found at his residence and was arrested without incident.

Gilbert was initially charged with attempted murder but those charges have been amended to murder in the first degree.

After reviewing surveillance footage, without warning, Gilbert struck Mitchell on the left side of the neck, causing immediate incapacitation.

Gilbert continued to strike an unresponsive Mitchell with a hatchet, until a bystander pulled him off.

The investigation is ongoing.

If residents have any information, they are encouraged to contact Fairbanks Police Detective Avery Thompson at 450-6549.