Circle man arrested on first-degree murder charge in shotgun death

A man was shot dead inside a Circle residence Friday evening, and Alaska State Troopers arrested another Circle man on a first-degree murder charge.

Troopers received the homicide report at 8:04 p.m. Aug. 28, according to trooper dispatch AK26085294. Investigators determined that Walter V. John, 66, and Raymond Nathaniel, 55, both of Circle, were drinking at John's home when John allegedly shot Nathaniel in the abdomen with a shotgun. Nathaniel died immediately, troopers said. Next of kin have been notified.

Alaska Bureau of Investigation and Fairbanks Rural Unit troopers responded to Circle. John was remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center. The charge is an accusation, and John is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Troopers posted the account Monday, three days later. It gives no court date and does not say whether anyone else was present.