Rural Alaska

Troopers investigate 2 deaths in Gambell

Alaska State Troopers are investigating the death of a man who apparently committed suicide in the St. Lawrence Island village of Gambell, the day after the discovery of a missing woman's body outside the village.

Troopers spokesman Tim DeSpain said investigators received word that 37-year-old Benjamin Booshu had fatally shot himself outside his home at about 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Investigators had sought to speak to Booshu, who was considered a "person of interest" in connection with the death of 22-year-old Gladys Aningayou. The state medical examiner's office confirmed Friday afternoon that a body found Monday was that of Aningayou, and that her next of kin had been notified.

Troopers wouldn't say whether Booshu was suspected of a crime in Aningayou's death but said no other suspects are being sought in that case.

"He was the last person seen with her," DeSpain wrote in an email. "(T)here is nothing to suggest anyone else is involved in this death at this time."

Family members reported Aningayou missing on Sunday, telling Nome radio station KNOM she was last seen leaving a party with a man on the night of May 12. Searchers spotted her body several miles outside of Gambell.

DeSpain said details on Aningayou's cause of death weren't being made public Friday.

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"They're just not ready to release that yet," DeSpain said. "For now we can say her injuries indicate foul play."

DeSpain said investigators were still gathering details on what relationship, if any, Booshu had with Aningayou.

"The investigation is proceeding slowly because they're having to go in every other direction besides interviewing (Booshu)," DeSpain said.

Both deaths remain under investigation.

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