Alaska Department Of Public Safety,State Troopers Public Information Office

Dispatch Text:

Update:

On May 29, 2026, an autopsy was conducted and Derek Berry’s death was classified as a homicide. Thirty-five-year-old Joseph Mesa was identified as a suspect. On August 4, Mesa was arrested in Nikiski on an outstanding warrant relating to Violating a Protective Order. On September 16, a Kenai Grand Jury convened and handed down an indictment charging Joseph Mesa with Murder in the First Degree, two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, two counts Tampering with Physical Evidence, Burglary in the First Degree, and Misconduct Involving Controlled Substances in the Fourth Degree. Additional charges are anticipated, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Original:

On May 24, 2026, the Alaska State Troopers located human remains at a property in Soldotna. Evidence at the scene suggested that the death was suspicious in nature, and the Alaska Bureau of Investigation responded and assumed case responsibility. The State Medical Examiner's Office positively identified the remains as belonging to 39-year-old Soldotna resident Derek Berry. Berry had been reported missing on May 7, 2026. His next of kin have been notified. The ABI investigation into the circumstances surrounding Berry's death is ongoing.