Arrest Made in Anchorage Ballfield Murder: Case Closed for 18-Year-Old Victim

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) — Authorities have apprehended a 24-year-old male in relation to the 2021 murder case involving 18-year-old Katelynn Shelhamer.

Daemon Sterlin Carlton As'Kim Hill was indicted on Friday for Shelhamer's death. He faces charges including one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder.

Hill was supposed to appear at an arraignment on Monday, May 5, but declined transportation from prison, causing the court to move the hearing to Wednesday, May 7. Nevertheless, Hill again refused to be transported when the new date arrived.

A fresh hearing has been set for 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 8 at the Nesbett Courthouse. The bail continues to be $500,000.

Shelhamer’s grandmother, Sandra Giroux, said the family had long-since suspected Hill was involved in the murder as he was known to be among a crowd that Giroux said Shelhamer had been trying to get away from.

She simply had to wait until she turned 18 to purchase a vehicle and secure employment, and things were looking up," Giroux stated. "She exuded such vitality and curiosity. She participated in the Alaska Military Youth Academy program where she thrived and ultimately got her life back on course.

Shelhamer was found dead At the Nunaka Valley baseball fields during the early morning hours of June 8, 2021, police reported that Shelhamer had sustained injuries to her upper body. press release , detectives said they believe the incident was not random but isolated.

Katelynn was like a brilliant beam of light that illuminated every circumstance she encountered, regardless of her location," said Crissy Musick, Shelhamer’s aunt, during an interview with Alaska’s News Source. "She had such a love for everyone.

Family shares memories of young woman found dead at Nunaka Valley baseball fields

According to the indictment, Hill "deliberately caused Shelhamer's death," intentionally inflicted significant bodily harm upon her, and acted in a manner demonstrating extreme disregard for the sanctity of human life, which led to Shelhamer's demise.

Giroux said that while news of Hill’s arrest comes as somewhat of a relief, she feels strongly there is good reason to believe that there are more individuals who remain responsible for her granddaughter’s death.

They're targeting you, regardless of who else might be involved," Giroux stated. "I'm looking forward to seeing all of you in court.

An Anchorage Grand Jury indicted Hill on Friday.

According to the arrest report, Hill was arrested off DeBarr Road at 5:15 p.m. and allegedly had a calm demeanor. He is currently in the Anchorage Correctional Complex.

Spot a spelling or grammatical mistake? Let us know about it. web@ktuu.com