A **White / Caucasian** female, Dy “Mandy” Clemmons, age 21, was found dead on the evening of March 30, 2015 in North Pole, Alaska. She was discovered in a driveway off Larissa Drive by Alaska State Troopers who responded at approximately 7:25 p.m. Her cause of death was a gunshot wound.
Nearby, 33-year-old Russell Wade Burris was found unconscious under a tree. He was transported to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for treatment. Investigators later concluded that Burris had fatally shot Clemmons before attempting to end his own life.
Russell Wade Burris was arrested and charged with Murder in the First Degree for the killing of Mandy Clemmons. It was reported that drug use played a role in the events leading up to the shooting, including that Burris had methamphetamine in his system earlier in the day. A Springfield. 40 caliber XD handgun was involved; evidence included shell casings matching that type.
Mandy Clemmons was born November 4, 1993, in North Pole, Alaska, to Michael and Dyea Clemmons. She lived all her life in the North Pole area, and is survived by her young son, parents, grandparents, seven siblings, nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on April 11, 2015 at the North Pole Worship Center.
