Utuva Alaelua, 41, was shot and killed by Anchorage police officer Carter Mayes during a traffic stop on May 12, a situation that escalated after officers noticed a gun in Alaelua’s lap. Initially compliant, Alaelua raised his hands as instructed but allegedly reached for the firearm, prompting Mayes to fire. This tragic incident marks the third police-involved death in Anchorage this year.
Adding complexity to the case, Alaelua’s brother was also killed by police during a standoff earlier this year, raising questions about the family’s interactions with law enforcement. The Office of Special Prosecutions is now reviewing the circumstances surrounding Alaelua’s shooting to determine if the use of lethal force was justified, amid concerns over police encounters beginning with routine traffic stops.
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