An Alaskan Native man, 20-year-old Kobe Cook of Alakanuk, was shot to death on August 22, 2023, following a confrontation in a village residence. He is reported to have entered the home and immediately started fighting with another adult male who was present. During that altercation, 19-year-old Josiah Chikigak, also of Alakanuk, discharged a firearm multiple times, striking Cook.
Cook then exited the residence and was transported to the village clinic, where he later died.
Law enforcement investigators — including Alaska State Troopers from Emmonak and the Alaska Bureau of Investigation — responded to the scene. After arriving, they developed evidence that led to the arrest of Josiah Chikigak. He was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting. Chikigak was taken into custody and held at the Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center in Bethel.
According to a sworn affidavit, Chikigak told investigators that he shot Cook with a. 22-caliber rifle inside the home. The affidavit also states that Cook had followed Chikigak home after the two had been drinking together; Chikigak claimed Cook broke into the house later. One of Chikigak's family members witnessed the shooting. Shell casings were found inside his home. Investigators found no sign of forced entry.
State officials arranged for Cook's body to be sent to the Alaska State Medical Examiner's Office in Anchorage. Next of kin were notified. Chikigak remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
