An Anchorage man charged with stabbing his uncle to death in early August was indicted Thursday, according to a press release sent out by the Anchorage District Attorney's Office.
Ralph Nayokpuk, 38, was charged with one count of murder in the first degree and one count of murder in the second degree for allegedly stabbing Ronald Mullins to death during an argument at the home the two shared with other family members. Nayokpuk faces a sentence of up to 99 years if convicted.
Anchorage police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 700 block of North Park Street in Mountain View just before 9:30 p.m. Aug. 6. Officers reportedly found Nayokpuk sitting outside a residence with blood on his hands and pants, still talking to a police dispatcher on the phone.
Police and paramedics found Mullins outside the home in critical condition from multiple stab wounds. Mullins was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.
Nayokpuk and Mullins had been raised as stepbrothers, Anchorage Police Department spokesperson Jennifer Castro wrote in a statement in early August. Charging documents identify Mullins as Nayokpuk's uncle.
The two had allegedly gotten into an alcohol-fueled fight. Nayokpuk told police an argument started while he had been cutting onions and garlic. The victim's mother, Alma Mullins, told police Nayokpuk had become angry because Mullins had said he was going to call the police, for unspecified reasons. She told police Nayokpuk picked up a butcher knife and started stabbing Mullins.
Nayokpuk told the first responding officer, "I'm so sorry I did this, I hope he is OK," according to charging documents.
Nayokpuk's bail was set at $500,000, plus a court-approved third-party custodian. He will be arraigned at Anchorage Superior Court on Aug. 18.