Bethel Police have arrested 27-year-old Mark Charlie Junior in connection with the suspected homicide of 26-year-old LeeAnn Berlin. Joe Corbett is a Lieutenant for the Bethel Police Department.
“Mr. Charlie has been booked at the correction center and charged with Murder in the first degree and tampering with physical evidence,” said Corbett.
Officers responded Monday afternoon to the BNC apartments for a welfare check. They found Berlin who appeared to have been deceased an extended period of time, and Charlie Junior, whom they arrested.
Police interviewed Charlie and say he admitted to strangling Berlin four or five days before his arrest. He said he argued with Berlin Wednesday night. Police say alcohol was likely involved.
The woman’s body was taken to the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation morgue and will go to the state medical examiners office for an autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.
Ben Matheson is a contributor with the Alaska Public Radio Network.
