WILLOW, Alaska — A confrontation over a prior dispute turned deadly Monday night in Willow, resulting in the fatal shooting of 49-year-old John Sibole. Alaska State Troopers responded to a 911 call at approximately 9:15 p.m. on North McKinley Way, near the Willow Townsite Food Mart along the Parks Highway, where they discovered Sibole deceased at the scene.
The suspect, 31-year-old Jared Higgins, was arrested in connection with the shooting. According to an affidavit filed by Investigator Craig Markiewicz, the altercation originated from an earlier argument between Higgins and a female family member of Sibole. The woman had visited Higgins’ residence earlier in the day to help with cleaning and gathering firewood. When she asked Higgins for assistance, a verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation, during which Higgins allegedly shoved her. She pushed him back before leaving the residence with several children.
Later that evening, Sibole arrived at Higgins’ home to confront him about the incident. Higgins told investigators that Sibole struck him multiple times on the side of the face, prompting him to fire a single gunshot into Sibole’s abdomen. After the shooting, Higgins called 911.
According to the affidavit, Higgins exited the home with the firearm pointed downward. However, multiple witnesses, including the woman and other adults who were performing CPR on Sibole, reported that Higgins pointed the weapon at them during the ordeal. Audio from 911 calls captured three individuals yelling at Higgins to stop pointing his firearm at them.
Troopers noted minor injuries on Higgins’ ear and face, consistent with his account of being struck by Sibole. Higgins was taken into custody and booked at the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility. He faces charges of second-degree murder and three counts of third-degree assault.
Higgins remained jailed as of Tuesday, with his first court appearance scheduled for later that afternoon. The Alaska State Troopers continue to investigate the incident, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to fully understand the events that led to the fatal shooting.
The tragic incident has left the Willow community in shock, as they mourn the loss of John Sibole and grapple with the circumstances surrounding his death. Authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation remains ongoing.