Alaska Department Of Public Safety,State Troopers Public Information Office

Dispatch Text:

UPDATE 8/9/24: The Alaska State Trooper who discharged their firearm during this incident is identified as: 

• Trooper Luke Kumfer, a 14-year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers currently assigned to Bethel post

The Alaska Bureau of Investigation is continuing to investigate the incident. 

ORIGINAL: On August 6, 2024, at 2:19 pm, Troopers in Bethel received a report of a DV in progress at a residence in the village of Eek. A Village Public Safety Officer attempted to make contact with the suspect, 41-year-old Eek resident Nick Beebe; however, Beebe threatened the VPSO with a shotgun. Troopers from Bethel responded, and Beebe barricaded himself in his girlfriend’s residence with a firearm. Interviews with witnesses revealed that Beebe had made statements that he had seriously assaulted his girlfriend and that she was still inside the residence. The Alaska State Trooper’s Southcentral SWAT Team was activated and responded directly to Eek via a chartered aircraft. Troopers continued to attempt to negotiate with Beebe and learn the status of his girlfriend; however, Beebe refused to converse with negotiators. Prior to SWAT arriving, one of the Troopers shot at Beebe from outside of the residence; however, Beebe was not struck. After SC SWAT arrived in Eek, they entered the residence and arrested Beebe. SWAT discovered 38-year-old Lorna White deceased in the residence from suspected blunt-force trauma. Beebe was remanded to YKCC on charges of Murder, Assault, and Misconduct Involving a Weapon. No law enforcement officers or other individuals reported injuries to Troopers.

White’s body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. Her next of kin have been notified.

The Alaska Bureau of Investigation has assumed case responsibility for the homicide and officer-involved shooting investigation. Once their investigation is complete, it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions. The Trooper who discharged their firearm has been placed on 72 hours of administrative leave in accordance with DPS policy and will be identified in 72 hours.