People imagine snow, ice, and bitter cold when they think of Alaska in January, but Alaska is a big place. I live on Kodiak Island in the southern part of the state, and the winter temperature here averages around 35⁰F (1.7⁰C). That may seem cold if you are from California, South America, or Australia, but is not a harsh winter temperature for most of the United States. The following story, though, gives you a feel for Alaska at its coldest. This brutal crime occurred north of the Arctic Circle in January, where the temperature hovered at -50⁰F (-45.6⁰C) when someone shot three men on a caribou hunting expedition and left them to die in their tent.

Brennan, Tom. 2001. Murder at 40 Below. Chapter 3: “The caribou murders.” 2001. Kenmore, WA: Epicenter Press.

Francis, Alfred. “Lone survivor says driver of snowmobile did shooting.” January 27, 1970. Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

“Court upholds murder charge, overturns drug conviction.” June 16, 1973. Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

“Defense seeks insanity ruling in killing of 3.” December 16, 1970. Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

“Johnson charged in triple murder.” January 30, 1970. Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

Supreme Court of Alaska. 511 P.2d 118 (1973). Johnson v. State. Justia.com.

“Trooper investigating shootings on way to question lone survivor.” January 29, 1970. Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

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Robin Barefield is the author of five Alaska wilderness mystery novels, Big Game, Murder Over Kodiak, The Fisherman’s Daughter, Karluk Bones, and Massacre at Bear Creek Lodge. She has also written two non-fiction books: Kodiak Island Wildlife and Murder and Mystery in the Last Frontier. Sign up to subscribe to her free monthly newsletter on true murder and mystery in Alaska.

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