Two Alaska teenage girls under the age of 21 were found dead with multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma. Authorities said a cousin of one of the victims was the suspect.
Police officials responded to a call in the early hours of Oct. 2 about two "unresponsive females." Upon arrival, the authorities discovered the bodies of Novely Rivers and Abigail Olson, both 18.
Both Rivers and Olson were found with multiple stab wounds and signs of blunt-force trauma. They were then sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy, the dispatch report noted.
The perpetrator was later discovered to be 20-year-old Shaquille Carawan. He was Rivers' cousin, according to the Anchorage Daily News, citing statements from Alaska Department of Public Safety spokesman Austin McDaniel.
Police also added that the deaths were possibly caused by "an argument" that "escalated into a physical altercation."
How Authorities Connected Carawan to the Murders
Investigators found phone records with text messages between Novely and Carawan prior to the murders. The 20-year-old allegedly told the teens that he would be swinging by the house to bring over marijuana and a torch for smoking. He also allegedly said he was bringing a "home brew" over.
The last text he sent to Novely read, "I'm by the porch now." No other messages followed.
Investigators also searched Carawan's home where they found bloodstained shoes and a blue Cuisinart knife with a broken tip. The knife was hidden between the refrigerator and the wall.
Carawan was taken in for questioning. Initially, the 20-year-old denied having anything to do with the murders of Novely and Rivers. However, he later confessed to killing the 18-year-olds. He also said he took and disposed of the phones of both victims as well as his bloody clothing. All items were recovered by police.
What Charges Will Carawan Receive
The 20-year-old is now facing two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. First-degree murder can carry a minimum of 20 years in prison while a second-degree murder has a minimum of five years imprisonment.
Additionally, Carawan was charged with tampering with physical evidence and furnishing or delivery of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21.
His hearing is scheduled for Oct. 17, as reported by Alaska Public Media.
