Updated Release:
Charges for five juveniles involved in the assault case were referred to the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice on December 3, 2015.
The incident was first reported to APD on July 26, 2015, and an investigation was initiated. The video of the incident was received by police approximately two weeks after the initial report. In addition to conducting numerous interviews, additional evidence had to be gathered and looked at including communications between the parties involved.
In general, when we are investigating communications/electronic devices, cell phone carriers and app companies can take several weeks to respond to our subpoena for records. Once we get all the information, we must thoroughly process through all of the data.
Meanwhile, in the State of Alaska, criminal cases involving juveniles are reviewed by the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). The DJJ holds juvenile offenders accountable for their behavior, charge juveniles, and also provide help and support for juvenile victims. It’s important for our community to understand that due to state public records laws involving juveniles, we will never know if or what charges are filed with the youth involved in this case – it is not public record unless they are waived to adult status. We hope this information is helpful and provides clarification to our community about the processes involved when investigating this type of crime.
Original Release:
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) is aware of a disturbing video that depicts a juvenile female being assaulted in a garage by several other female juveniles. The incident was first reported to APD on July 26, 2015, and an investigation was initiated. The video of the incident was received by police approximately two weeks after the initial report. This incident has been investigated and final reports are being sent to the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). The names of those involved cannot be released because they are juveniles.
The investigation revealed no link between the incident and the Anchorage School District. The incident did not occur on school grounds, at, or following an ASD sanctioned event.
