Updated Monday, May 25, 11:30 a.m.
A body was found early Sunday morning in the area of the boardwalk at Pinky’s Park in Bethel. Police have identified a suspect in what is now a homicide investigation.
At around 4 a.m., the Bethel Police Department responded to reports of a dead body found at Pinky’s Park. When officers arrived to the area, they found the remains of a female in nearby bushes, according to a release from Bethel police.
The scene was secured in order for investigators to process it for evidence. Alaska State Troopers from Anchorage were sent to the scene to work with Bethel police on the case.
The female has been identified as 23-year-old Eunice Whitman, of Bethel. The cause of death has yet to be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office, but police say it appears she sustained multiple stab wounds.
Sunday night, Bethel police identified 24-year-old Justine Paul — Whitman’s boyfriend — as a suspect in the incident. When police searched Paul’s residence, they found evidence believed to be linked to the murder, a BPD release says. They have also collected forensic evidence from Paul.
Paul has been arrested for first-degree murder. He is in custody at the Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center and will be arraigned Monday.
Police stress that this is still an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Bethel police at (907) 543-3781 and speak with Sgt. Amy Davis.
