Homicide; 700-block N Bliss Street
Update 05/26/23:
Today, Anchorage Superior Court Judge Andrew Peterson sentenced 21-year-old Luimariamofoa Polu to serve 27 years in jail for the murder of 15-year-old Raynaldo Khotesouvan on July 20, 2018, in Anchorage. Polu, who was 16-years-old at the time of the murder, was charged as an adult for the crime pursuant to Alaska Statute 47.12.030. Polu previously admitted the facts contained in the charging document.
The agreement between the State and Polu called for the court to impose a sentence of 60 years with 33 years suspended, to be followed by 10 years of supervised felony probation. In deciding to accept the parties’ agreement, Judge Peterson began noting reviewed community condemnation of the crime, the need to isolate Polu, Polu’s prospects for rehabilitation, and general and specific deterrence. Judge Peterson recognized that there is nothing that the court can do, or any sentence that can be imposed, that will bring back Mr. Khotesouvan and make his family and the community whole. He hopes this sentence recognizes that the community condemns violent behavior such as that engaged in by Polu that resulted in Mr. Khotesouvan’s death. The court recognized Polu’s youth when committed the crime and has high hopes for his prospects for rehabilitation based on his commitment to education while in custody. Polu has been in custody since July 21, 2018, and will remain in the custody of the Department of Corrections.
This case was prosecuted by Anchorage Assistant District Attorney Patrick J. McKay, Jr. The Anchorage Police Department’s Homicide Unit investigated the matter.
Update:
Nov. 9, 2022 (Anchorage, AK) – Today, 21-year-old Luimariamofoa Polu entered a plea of guilty to murder in the second degree for the murder of 15-year-old Raynaldo Khotesouvan on July 20, 2018, in Anchorage.
Polu, who was 16 years old at the time of the murder, was charged as an adult for the crime. Polu admitted to the facts contained in the charging document filed by the State on July 21, 2018. This incident stemmed from a verbal argument between two groups of young men that escalated into a fist fight and eventually gunshots on a street in Mountain View.
Polu is in the custody of the Department of Corrections. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Anchorage Superior Court Judge Andrew Peterson on March 10, 2023.
Update 7/21/18 11:24 a.m.:
An update to the preliminary investigation found that there was an altercation in the 500 block of North Bliss Street between a group consisting of juveniles and late-teens. During the altercation, the juvenile male suspect shot the 15-year-old male victim in the upper body, handed off the gun to an adult male and fled on foot towards the apartment building where officers conducted the high risk search. The adult male suspect was later located in the area, taken into custody, questioned by detectives and transported to jail. Officers returned to the apartment building, served a search warrant and collected evidence. After reviewing the evidence and conduction multiple interviews, detectives requested officers with the Investigative Support Unit (ISU) locate the juvenile male suspect. He was taken into custody around 4:30 a.m. in the 700 block of North Flower Street. He was questioned by detectives and transported to the McLaughlin Youth Center.
The adult male suspect has been identified as Michael Marquez (19 years old). He faces a charge of Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Charges for the juvenile male suspect have been referred to the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice.
The identity of the victim will be not be released by APD due to his age.
Officers with the K9 Unit, Cyber Crimes Unit and VICE also assisted with this investigation.
Update 7/21/18 12:14 a.m.:
Update: Homicide investigation; all streets are open.
Update 7/20/18:
On 7/20/18 around 6:20 p.m., Dispatch received a report of a shooting in the 700 block of North Bliss Street.
The preliminary investigation found that a juvenile male was found lying in the street after being shot in the upper body. He was declared dead at the scene. Officers with the Patrol Division received information about a possible suspect or suspects inside a neighboring apartment building and conducted a high risk search. No one was found inside. Detectives with the Homicide Unit are interviewing several witnesses and are looking to speak with more.
North Bliss Street remains closed between Parsons Avenue and Thompson Avenue. Please avoid the area as officers conduct their investigation.
There is no suspect or suspects information to release at this time.
Additionally, there is no connection at this time to the homicide investigation on North Hoyt Street that occured prior to this investigation. Click this link for more information: http://local.nixle.com/alert/6696696/
Anyone with information, including surveillance video, is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 907-561-STOP to remain anonymous.
Original:
Homicide Investigation; Bliss between Thompson & Parsons closed for investigation, please avoid the area.
APD Case: 18-29230
