Update at 04/05/22:

From the Attorney General’s office:

On April 1, 2022, a grand jury returned an indictment against Ernest Freeman Gray III for one count of vehicular manslaughter, for recklessly causing the death of Sylvia Heckman. The State of Alaska added the charge of DUI by information to the indictment. The charges stem from an October 23, 2021, DUI collision where Gray struck Heckman while she was within a cross-walk at the intersection of Minnesota and Benson north of the City Diner. 

 Currently, Mr. Gray is out of custody and released on his own recognizance. A superior court arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 1:45 p.m. at the Nesbett Courthouse.

 The charges in the indictment are only allegations and are not evidence of guilt. Gray is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

 Update at 10/25/21:
The victim has been identified as 36-year-old Sylvia R. Heckman.  Next-of-kin notification procedures have been completed.

Update on10/23/21 at 7:23 AM:
Initial indications are that 39-year-old Ernest F. Gray III was traveling southbound on Minnesota in a Volvo, when he fatally struck an adult female in the roadway near the intersection with Benson Boulevard.  When officers made contact with Gray at the scene, they noticed signs of impairment.  Ultimately Gray was charged with Driving under the Influence.
 
This investigation is ongoing.  Officers are still working to determine whether or not the victim was in a crosswalk, who had the green light, and whether or not other factors were at play.  Depending on the outcome of those details, more charges for Gray may be forthcoming.
 
The victim’s identity will be released once next-of-kin notification procedures have been completed.
 
All lanes of Minnesota have been opened.

Original on 10/23/21 at 2:57 AM:
At 2:19 AM on Saturday, October 23, 2021, Anchorage Police responded to the intersection of W Benson Boulevard and Minnesota Drive regarding a vehicle versus pedestrian collision wherein the pedestrian was fatally struck.  The driver remained on scene.
 
The Major Collision Investigations Unit (MCIU) will be responding to the site. All lanes of southbound Minnesota, at Benson Boulevard, will be closed for some time while the MCIU processes the scene.
 
Anyone who witnessed the collision, who has not yet spoken with police, is asked to call APD Dispatch at 3-1-1 (option #1). 
 
APD Case 21-34349

For information on how to obtain the criminal history of any Alaskan, you may do so online via Court View on the State’s website.