WASILLA, Alaska — A night at Hatcher Pass turned deadly after a 19-year-old Wasilla man was found shot and killed on a trail, and an 18-year-old has since been charged with his murder, according to Alaska State Troopers.
Troopers said they were first notified around 11:40 a.m. Wednesday of a deceased person discovered on a hiking trail in Hatcher Pass. The victim, identified as Jaxon Williams, was found lying at the base of a large boulder with a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators said the case took a turn early Thursday morning when a man contacted authorities around 1:55 a.m. and reported that his friend had confessed to shooting someone in Hatcher Pass. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Gary Reddig, was later located and detained by troopers at approximately 2:34 p.m.
According to charging documents, Reddig told investigators that he and Williams had traveled to Hatcher Pass Tuesday night at Williams’ request. He stated that after arriving, Williams—who had been drinking heavily—became aggressive and accused him of inappropriate behavior involving Williams’ girlfriend. Reddig claimed Williams initiated a physical confrontation and threw him to the ground.
Reddig told investigators he then pulled out a handgun, and the next thing he remembered was fleeing down the hill toward his vehicle and driving away. He also stated the shooting occurred when he was approximately 10 feet from Williams.
Authorities later recovered a firearm matching Reddig’s description at a relative’s home, where he had been staying. Investigators also reviewed communications in which Reddig allegedly admitted to the shooting and suggested he returned to the scene afterward to move the body, though it was no longer there.
Witness interviews included Reddig’s friend, who reported the confession, and Williams’ girlfriend, who had been with the pair earlier in the evening but was not present at the time of the incident.
Reddig has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and one count of tampering with physical evidence. He has been remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial as the investigation continues.
