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

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

Troopers received the report at 8:04 pm Aug. 28. Investigators say Walter V. John, 66, and Raymond Nathaniel, 55, both of Circle, were drinking at John's home when John shot Nathaniel in the abdomen with a shotgun. Nathaniel died immediately, troopers said. Next of kin have been notified.

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

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