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Shooting target at Midtown Anchorage hotel was U.S. Army sergeant at JBER

Shooting target at Midtown Anchorage hotel was U.S. Army sergeant at JBER

By Zaz Hollander

Up to date: April 13, 2022 Released: April 13, 2022

The gentleman shot and killed Saturday morning at a Midtown resort was a U.S. Military sergeant and logistical expert at Joint Foundation Elmendorf Richardson who joined the Military in 2013.

A U.S. Military Alaska spokesman on Tuesday stated 30-yr-old Julian Francis Jr. served with the 725th Brigade Aid Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Battle Group (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

Francis — who was originally from Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands — joined the Army in November 2013, according to a press release. His very first assignment was at Fort Wainwright in early 2014, U.S. Military Alaska spokesman John Pennell mentioned.

Francis done the Primary Airborne Study course at Fort Benning in 2017 and was assigned to Fort Bragg for 3 a long time right before reporting to JBER in August 2020.

A 22-calendar year-aged Anchorage guy was jailed on murder charges Monday in relationship with the deadly shooting Saturday.

Brent Avery Smith is accused of killing Francis following to the indoor swimming pool at the Hyatt Dwelling lodge in Midtown, according to charging paperwork filed in the situation. The motive at the rear of the taking pictures was unclear, according to a sworn affidavit filed with the fees.

The Anchorage Police Section is the guide investigating company on the homicide, with guidance from the Military Prison Investigation Division, Pennell claimed.

Francis’ battalion, nicknamed the Centurions, “deeply feels this loss and we supply our sincere condolences to close friends and relatives,” Lt. Col. Raphael A. Jimenez II, the battalion’s commander, claimed in a assertion.

“Sgt. Francis was an integral portion of our Centurion family an empathetic leader who motivated the paratroopers about him,” Jimenez explained. “He brought joy to his soldier’s lives by his witty retorts and an ever-existing smile.”

His awards and decorations include things like the Military Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Perform Medal, Nationwide Protection Support Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Specialist Enhancement Ribbon, Army Services Ribbon, Abroad Support Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge, in accordance to the launch.

Pennell explained no other navy users were being included in Saturday’s incident as much as he understood.

Witnesses instructed law enforcement the group that incorporated Francis used about an hour in the pool area ahead of Smith, who went by the identify Jakota, pulled out a handgun and shot Francis, then fled the spot, according to the affidavit.

Smith continues to be jailed at Anchorage Correctional Complex on $750,000 funds bail.