Phillip Barger Convicted in July, 2023 Homicide

Update on 9/20/24:

From the Attorney General’s Office:

Sept. 20, 2024 (Anchorage, AK) – Yesterday, an Anchorage jury convicted 34-year-old Phillip Maxwel Barger of one count of Second-Degree Murder, one count of Manslaughter, one count of Burglary, and one count of Fourth-Degree Assault for murdering 88-year-old Francisco “Frank” Martin Jr. on July 1, 2023.

At trial, the evidence showed that Phillip Barger entered the home of Francisco Martin and his wife. Barger then pushed Mrs. Martin out of the way and began beating Mr. Martin. Barger struck Mr. Martin numerous times in the head and neck. Barger also strangled Mr. Martin during the attack. Barger then fled the scene. Mr. Martin succumbed to his injuries shortly after the attack. Barger and the Martins did not know each other.

At the time of the murder, Barger was on felony probation for Criminal Burning of Forested Land in the Second Degree and Attempted Escape in the Third Degree.

Superior Court Judge Catherine Easter presided over the trial. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2025. Barger faces a sentencing range of 15 years to 99 years. Barger is being held without bail by the Alaska Department of Corrections.

Assistant District Attorneys Betsy Bull and Katharine Penrod prosecuted this case. This case was investigated by the Anchorage Police Department’s Robbery-Assault unit.

Update on 7/3/23:

The victim has been identified as 88-year-old Francisco Martin JR.  Next-of-kin notification procedures have been completed.

Update on 7/2/23:

Initial indications are that 33-year-old Phillip M.  Barger forced entry into his neighbor’s residence and physically assaulted both the adult male and adult female who lived there.  Both victims were transported to the hospital.  The adult male succumbed to his injuries.  The adult female suffered minor injuries.

Prior to officer arrival, the suspect fled on foot.  He was located by responding officers on the 9700-block of Vanguard Drive; he was taken into custody at 10:32 PM without incident.  After being transported to the Anchorage Police Department for questioning by detectives, he was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on the charges of Murder II, Burglary, Manslaughter, and Assault IV.

The motive behind the suspect’s actions is still under investigation.

Original on 7/1/23:

At 9:07 PM on July 1, 2023, Anchorage Police responded to a residence on the 9400-block of Brayton Drive regarding an assault.  An adult male victim was located inside the home.  He was transported by AFD Medics to a hospital where he was declared deceased a short time later.

A suspect has been detained and is being questioned by detectives at the Anchorage Police Department.

The Crime Scene Team will be responding to the scene for processing.  There will be a continued police presence in the area while that occurs.

APD Case 23-21056