Young Man Accused of Murdering 2 Women in Alaska

A double murder in Alaska shocked a small community and led to charges against a 20-year-old man accused of killing two 18-year-old women.

At a Glance

Shaquille Carawan, 20, is facing first-degree and second-degree murder charges in the deaths of Novely Rivers and Abigail Olson, both 18.
The victims were found with multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma at Rivers’ home in Hooper Bay, Alaska.
Carawan allegedly brought marijuana and homemade alcohol to the victims before the murders.
Evidence including bloodstained shoes and a knife linked Carawan to the crime scene.
The bail was set at $1.5 million with strict conditions, including no return to Hooper Bay.

Charges and Arrest

Shaquille Carawan faces serious charges in the deaths of Novely Rivers and Abigail Olson, both 18 years old. The 20-year-old suspect is charged with first-degree and second-degree murder, as well as tampering with evidence and providing alcohol to minors. Law enforcement discovered the bodies of Rivers and Olson at Rivers’ home in Hooper Bay, a small Alaskan town of about 1,300 residents.

According to police reports, the victims suffered a number of knife injuries and blunt force trauma. The murders have deeply affected the tight-knit community, prompting public expressions of grief and support for the victims’ families.

2 Alaska Teenage Girls Were Stabbed to Death After 'Argument Escalated,' Police Say Suspect's Texts Connected Him to Scene https://t.co/zFUnoydNLJ

— People (@people) October 8, 2024

Evidence and Confession

Text messages revealed that Carawan had planned to bring marijuana and homemade alcohol to Rivers’ house on the night of the murders. Investigators found evidence at Carawan’s residence, including bloodstained shoes with tread patterns matching those found at the crime scene. A blue Cuisinart knife with a broken tip, corresponding to a sheath discovered at the scene, was also found hidden in Carawan’s home.

“Carawan admitted to taking both victim’s phones and said that he threw them in a lake while he was running back to his house after the incident,” the affidavit said.

Initially denying involvement, Carawan later confessed to the murders, providing detailed information about the event. He admitted to disposing of the victims’ phones in a lake and hiding bloody clothing in a river. Investigators subsequently found a bag of clothing on Carawan’s property that matched his Facebook photos.

Legal Proceedings

Carawan made his first court appearance via telephone in an Emmonak courtroom. Magistrate Judge Darlene Johnson-Edwards found probable cause to support the charges but did not accept a plea at this stage. A hearing is scheduled for October 17, where further proceedings will take place.

State prosecutor Jessica Haines requested a high bail due to community safety concerns. The court set Carawan’s bail at $1.5 million, with conditions including no return to Hooper Bay and no contact with the victims’ families or witnesses. If convicted, Carawan faces severe penalties, including up to 99 years in prison and significant fines.

Community Impact

The murders have profoundly affected the small town of Hooper Bay. Community solidarity events have been organized, and a GoFundMe campaign was set up to support the victims’ families. A $10,000 reward was initially offered for information leading to an arrest, though it remains unclear if this contributed to Carawan’s apprehension.

“With profound sorrow, we honor the memory of two best friends, Novely Rivers and Abigail Olson, two radiant young souls taken from us far too soon on the same day,” per the fundraiser.

As the community grapples with this tragedy, Carawan remains held at the Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center, awaiting further legal proceedings that will determine his fate in this shocking case that has rocked a small Alaskan town.