On January 30, 2015, 25-year-old Roseanne Pitka from Toksook Bay was found deceased in a residence within Bethel's Larson Subdivision. Authorities reported that she had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The Bethel Police Department received a call regarding the incident at approximately 4:50 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Pitka's body and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The events leading up to the shooting involved an evening of
alcohol consumption. Witnesses indicated that Pitka had been drinking with 33-year-old Quinn Angaiak of Bethel. According to a police affidavit, a person present at the residence stated that after 4:00 a.m., Pitka went to a bedroom to find Angaiak. Shortly thereafter, the witness heard crying and observed a bloody scene with Angaiak holding onto Pitka. Angaiak informed the police that he had contemplated shooting himself but decided to place the gun on the bed instead. He claimed that his finger accidentally hit the trigger, discharging a bullet into the bed. Police noted a bullet hole in the bed during their investigation.
In connection with the incident, Angaiak was arrested at the scene and charged with fourth-degree weapons misconduct, a misdemeanor offense for allegedly possessing a firearm while intoxicated. The police considered the incident suspicious and did not rule out possibilities such as homicide or a self-inflicted wound. Pitka's body was sent to the state medical examiner's office for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The investigation remained ongoing as authorities continued to interview witnesses and gather evidence to ascertain the full details of the tragic event.
