Horror Unfolds as Mom Accused of Murder After 6-Year-Old Son Found Dead During Welfare Check

Lifestyle
Paul Johns
February 11, 2025
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6 minutes read

Heather Alexie. Fairbanks Police Department/Facebook

A routine welfare check turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when a woman discovered a young boy dead in a Fairbanks, Alaska, apartment, with his mother and younger sister missing. The incident, described by authorities as “devastating,” unfolded on Friday, February 7, according to the Fairbanks Police Department (FPD).

The FPD responded to the apartment of Heather Alexie, 36, after receiving a call about a “suspicious death.” The caller, a client of Heather’s, had grown concerned after not hearing from her “for quite some time” and decided to check on her and her two children. Upon entering the apartment, the woman made a grim discovery: the lifeless body of Heather’s 6-year-old son, Peter Alexie.

Investigators quickly determined that Peter was the victim of a homicide. Meanwhile, Heather and her 5-year-old daughter, Renee Alexie, were nowhere to be found. Authorities issued a “Missing Persons/Suspicious Circumstances” alert for the pair, prompting members of the public to assist in the search.

Using Heather’s phone data, officers tracked her to the Anchorage area. With the help of the Anchorage Police Department (APD), Heather and Renee were located by Saturday evening. Both were found “unharmed,” according to the FPD.

However, the investigation took a dark turn when Heather became a suspect in her son’s death. During an interview with APD homicide detectives, she allegedly “admitted to inflicting injuries that led to Peter’s death before traveling to Anchorage with her daughter days later.” Heather was subsequently arrested for second-degree murder, and Renee was placed in state custody. Police confirmed that the 5-year-old is “safe.”

FPD Chief Ron Dupee expressed the department’s grief over the case in a press release, calling it “incredibly tragic and heartbreaking.” He stated, “The death of a child is always devastating, and our hearts go out to Peter’s loved ones and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss. Cases like this weigh heavily on our officers, detectives, and the entire community. We want to assure the public that we are committed to seeking justice for Peter.”

The FPD also acknowledged the community’s desire for answers but emphasized the complexity of the investigation. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work through these complex situations,” police said, noting that certain details cannot be immediately released.

The case has left the Fairbanks community in shock, as they grapple with the loss of a young life and the disturbing circumstances surrounding his death. As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on ensuring justice for Peter and providing support to those affected by the tragedy.