Last updated at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28
The Anchorage Police Department says a driver involved in a collision late Monday night is facing charges of murder, kidnapping and sexual assault, among others.
At 11:40 p.m., police responded to the scene of a crash on the 2800 block of Debarr Road. A Subaru, driven by 34-year-old Benjamin Wilkins, had crashed into a pole, knocking it over. Wilkins was taken into custody at the scene under the suspicion that he had been driving while drunk. APD spokeswoman Renee Oistad said Wilkins was not injured during the crash.
Police found 30-year-old Jacqueline Goodwin dead inside the vehicle. It was later determined she had died from injuries inflicted before the crash, Oistad said in a statement. In a phone interview, Oistad said it “was obvious” to responders that she didn’t die in the crash.
Investigators interviewed Wilkins at APD headquarters, and multiple search warrants were granted for different locations in connection to the case, Oistad said.
“Police are not currently looking for anyone else related to this crime,” Oistad wrote.
APD charged Wilkins with first-degree murder, kidnapping, first- and second-degree sexual assault, tampering with evidence, DUI and driving with a suspended license. He is being held at the Anchorage Correctional Complex.
Wilkins has at least four driving-related convictions and six other citations.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
