Homicide; 900-block W 23rd Avenue

Update on 3/21/17:

At 1:39 AM on January 24, 2017, the Anchorage Fire and Police Departments responded to a 4-plex structure fire on the 900-block of W 23rd.  Due to heavy smoke, police officers were unable to enter the unit on fire.  After AFD extinguished the flames, a deceased adult female was found inside.  During autopsy it was discovered that 57-year-old Peijun Li had suffered from smoke inhalation and asphyxia by strangulation.
 
During the course of the investigation, it was discovered the fire had two origins.  One fire was set inside the affected apartment and the other just outside the apartment building.  A Nissan Rogue, associated with 51-year-old Jimmy Dale Cates, was seen in the area on surveillance footage at the time of the crime.  Also seen on video surveillance was a man in a nearby gas station, just two hours prior to the fire, which looked just like the man seen at the fire (see attached photo).  During an interview with detectives in early March, Cates admitted it was him on the gas station surveillance footage but denied being present at the crime scene.
 
On March 21, 2017, an arrest warrant was obtained for Cates for Murder I, two counts of Murder II, Arson I, and Tampering with Evidence.  Cates was taken into custody shortly after turning himself in to police at 2 PM.
 
The Anchorage Police Department is very thankful for the help of the Anchorage Fire Department and the FBI during this investigation.

Original on 1/25/17:

At 1:39 AM on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, the Anchorage Police and Fire Departments responded to the 900 block of W 23rd Avenue in reference to a 4-plex that was on fire.  After the fire was extinguished, AFD discovered a deceased adult female inside.
 
AFD and APD Investigators have determined this fire was intentionally set and the woman is a homicide victim. For investigative purposes, her exact cause of death is not being released at this time.  The female’s name will be released once next-of-kin have been notified.
 
Anyone who has information regarding this crime is asked to call Police Dispatch at 786-8900 (press “0” to speak with an operator).  To remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 561-STOP or online at www.anchoragecrimestoppers.com
 
APD Case 17-3382