Investigation continues into the stabbing death of Ellis Kaloke

Alaska State Troopers have not filed charges for a fatal stabbing in the village of Levelock, despite a man openly speaking about his role in the homicide to KDLG.

S George Peterson says he and Ellis Kaloke got into a fight that escalated to Peterson fatally stabbing Kaloke.

The District Attorney and Troopers are waiting for the results of an autopsy to come back that could shed more light on the incident. Troopers and the DA say that might take anywhere between four and eight weeks.

In the meantime, the Anchorage District Attorney Clint Campion - who also serves the area of Levelock - understands the concern that charges haven’t been filed against “someone [who] may have unlawfully killed another human being”

Megan Peters, a public information officer with the Troopers writes that the investigation is ongoing and ‘all the people believed to be related to the case’ have been contacted by the Troopers.

“All of which have been cooperative with the Trooper investigation. At this point in time, Troopers are mainly doing follow-up investigation and waiting for results from the autopsy to come back,” writes Peters.

Meanwhile, Campion says the DA’s office is aware of the case but they are waiting for charges to be brought forward by the AST.

Campion says that it’s difficult to prosecute people for an incident like this.

“Once the person claims self-defense the burden shifts to the state to prove beyond reasonable doubt that they did not act in self-defense,” said Campion.

In 2013, the state’s laws regarding self-defense were expanded. Campion explains that in Alaska there is now no duty of retreat for any place you have a right to be.

He says a person does not have to leave their residence if they’re confronted by “someone who is basically threatening your life.”

“Self-defense applies if you have a reasonable belief that someone is going to kill you, injure you, sexually assault you or commit a robbery,” said Campion.

Investigators with the Alaska State Troopers would not confirm Monday evening whether charges would be filed.

“The case is under investigation. Any decision that is made will be done after all the pertinent evidence is reviewed and in consultation with the District Attorney,” said investigators with the Troopers.