Homicide Investigation on the 400-block of N Bliss St

Update on 9/20/24:

 Through the investigation, homicide detectives have determined that 31-year-old Julio Morales, Jr. is responsible for the homicide of 25-year-old Ethan Buncom.

On September 19, 2024, Morales was remanded at Anchorage Correctional Complex for one count of Murder 1, one count of Murder 2 and one count of Misconduct Involving a Weapon 3- Felon in Possession.

Update on 8/20/24:

The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Ethan Buncom.  Next-of-kin notification procedures have been completed.

Original on 8/17/24:

At 3:13 AM on August 17, 2024, Anchorage Police mid-shift patrol officers responded to the area of N Bliss Street and Mountain View Drive regarding multiple reports of shots being fired.  Upon arrival, an adult male was found in an alley way on the 400-block of N Bliss.  He was transported to a hospital by AFD Medics with a gunshot wound to the upper body; he was declared deceased a short time later. 

Officers set up a perimeter and conducted a suspect search by utilizing both the drone and a K9 track; the suspect was not located.  The Crime Scene Team has responded to process the site.  The alleyway and a portion of N Bliss may be closed off while that is occurring.

While the motive for the shooting is still under investigation, information gathered thus far indicates this is an isolated incident and not a random event.  There is no specific suspect description currently available for release.  Anyone with information regarding this crime, to include surveillance footage of the area, is asked to call APD Dispatch at 3-1-1 (option #1) or 907-786-8900 (press “0”).  You may provide information anonymously online at www.AnchorageCrimeStoppers.com.

The victim’s identity will be released once next-of-kin notification procedures have been completed.

APD Case 24-25448