US Soldier Accused of Fatally Shooting Man in Alaska Apartment

A US Army soldier faces first-degree murder charges after allegedly executing another man with a single bullet in an Alaskan apartment while wearing an ankle monitor for previous crimes.

Quick Takes

Adayus Robertson, 24, an active-duty soldier with the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Wainwright, allegedly shot and killed 37-year-old Joseph Casas execution-style in Fairbanks, Alaska.
The shooting occurred while Robertson was already wearing an ankle monitor in relation to previous felony assault charges.
Witnesses, GPS data, and recovered evidence placed Robertson at the scene, with bail now set at $2.5 million.
A female witness reported hearing a gunshot after Robertson left her in the bathroom, and he insisted they leave immediately afterward.
Authorities recovered a .40 caliber Glock linked to Robertson from a trash bin near the crime scene.

Soldier Arrested in Execution-Style Killing

Adayus Robertson, a 24-year-old Private First Class stationed at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, has been charged with first-degree murder following the shooting death of Joseph Casas, 37. Law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire at a Fairbanks apartment just before 10 a.m. on Friday. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Casas with a severe gunshot wound to the head. The victim was rushed to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, where medical personnel attempted life-saving measures but ultimately pronounced him dead.

Robertson, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist with the 11th Airborne Division, had only been in the Army since 2023, with Fort Wainwright serving as his first duty station. Police investigators quickly identified Robertson as the prime suspect following witness statements and electronic evidence placing him at the apartment during the time of the shooting. GPS data from Robertson’s monitoring device confirmed his presence at the scene.

Fort Wainwright Soldier Arrested on Murder Charges in Fairbanks Man's Death https://t.co/Aqa4YyIRmt

— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) April 15, 2025

Witness Accounts and Evidence Collection

A female witness provided crucial testimony, telling investigators that she had been in the bathroom when the shooting occurred. According to police reports, she stated that Robertson had left her in the bathroom shortly before she heard a loud bang. Upon emerging, Robertson reportedly insisted they leave immediately. The witness further detailed Robertson’s suspicious behavior in the moments following the shooting.

Another man present at the time told officers that Casas “didn’t deserve what happened to him” and agreed with investigators’ assessment that the shooting appeared to be an execution. Law enforcement later recovered a .40 caliber Glock pistol from a trash bin near the apartment complex. The weapon was subsequently linked to Robertson through a relative. Police apprehended Robertson at the Big Dipper Ice Arena, where they discovered him in possession of a handgun magazine compatible with the recovered weapon.

Prior Legal Troubles

Particularly troubling is the fact that Robertson was already on pretrial release with electronic monitoring at the time of the shooting. Court records reveal that Robertson faced previous serious charges, including a felony assault case in which he allegedly pistol-whipped a woman. He had been released on a $10,000 bail with house arrest conditions for that incident. Additionally, Robertson had accrued an escape charge for previously violating the terms of his house arrest.

During police questioning regarding the murder, Robertson requested an attorney. Following his arrest, Robertson now faces multiple charges including first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and probation violation. A judge set his bail at $2.5 million, significantly higher than his previous release conditions, reflecting the severity of the new allegations and his history of violating court orders.

Fort Wainwright officials have acknowledged awareness of the situation but have not issued detailed comments regarding Robertson’s military status or potential disciplinary actions within the Army’s jurisdiction while the civilian criminal case proceeds. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish a motive for the killing and collect additional evidence.