A Superior Court judge has postponed sentencing for a man involved in the shooting deaths of two Alaska State Troopers.
Arvin Kangas, 59, was convicted April 23 of three counts of tampering with physical evidence and four counts of first-degree hindering prosecution. An audio recording was presented during the trial that established Kangas and his son, Nathanial Kangas, moved the bodies of troopers Gabe Rich and Sgt. Scott Johnson, as well as their weapons, after the younger Kangas reportedly shot them to death.
Friends and other community members at the hearing wished to testify, according to CBS affiliate Tanana Valley Television, but Judge Paul Lyle ruled that only family members of the slain officers would be allowed to speak before the court.
“Hearing Arvin testify, and hear him refer to my husband as a dead dog, was dehumanizing, and rebuilds his character, knowing it’s Scott’s body,” said Johnson’s wife, Brandy. “I would like to walk away from this, but the matter is that Scott’s murder is my sentence for the rest of my life. Scott’s murder is the sentence for the rest of our children’s lives.”
Bud Johnson, Johnson’s father, also testified at the hearing, speaking directly to Kangas.
“My son showed you respect, tried to leave you with some dignity, and you took advantage of it,” he said. “I truly believe that you’re responsible for his death. I believe that you knew what was on the other side of that door. You should be standing trial for murder, alongside your son.”
Kangas’ sentencing has been scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3, in Fairbanks.
