A U.S. Army soldier, 24, has been apprehended on charges of murder following the discovery of a man with an execution-style gunshot wound in a Fairbanks apartment. The soldier, identified as Adayus Robertson, is facing first-degree murder and evidence tampering charges, alongside probation violations for two prior open criminal cases. Robertson, an active-duty member of the 11th Airborne Division stationed at Fort Wainwright, appeared in court on Sunday, where his bail was set at $2.5 million.
The investigation commenced shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday when the police responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment on 27th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found 37-year-old Joseph Casas, a resident of Fairbanks, with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Casas was later pronounced dead at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. Authorities confirmed that Robertson and Casas were acquainted.
At the time of the incident, Robertson was under pretrial ankle monitoring due to a felony assault case filed in the previous month. GPS tracking data placed him at the scene of the shooting, later indicating his departure. Police located Robertson with two others at the Big Dipper Ice Arena, where he was found carrying a handgun magazine. An officer following tracks in the snow discovered a .40 caliber Glock discarded in a nearby trash bin.
Witnesses reported that both men were in the same room when the gunshot occurred. The firearm was traced back to a relative of Robertson. During police questioning, Robertson mentioned that Casas had been acting erratically before requesting legal counsel and declining further comment. A witness informed a military criminal investigation agent that Casas “didn’t deserve what happened,” agreeing with the characterization of the shooting as an execution.
Robertson, who is now seeking legal representation, faced previous charges of assault and escape. The felony assault charge arose from allegations that Robertson pistol-whipped a woman in January, leading to his arrest on March 19. He was released after posting a $10,000 cash bail. An escape charge was filed on March 27 when Robertson allegedly violated house arrest conditions tied to the assault case. In April, a judge allowed him to leave base, adjusting his release conditions.
Holding the rank of private first class, Robertson serves as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist. Since enlisting in the Army in 2023, Fort Wainwright has been his first and only duty station.
The Impact on Military and Civilian Communities
This incident casts a spotlight on the challenges faced by military personnel transitioning into civilian life, particularly those stationed at Fort Wainwright. The integration of soldiers into local communities can sometimes lead to complex interactions, emphasizing the need for robust support systems and mental health resources to assist service members in managing stress and maintaining positive relationships outside the military environment.
For the civilian population of Fairbanks, this tragic event underscores the importance of community safety and the impact of violence on neighborhood cohesion. The presence of military personnel in civilian areas often brings diverse cultural and social dynamics, necessitating improved communication and collaboration between military installations and local law enforcement to ensure mutual understanding and safety for all residents.