Trapper Creek couple shot; husband dies, wife hospitalized

A Trapper Creek man was killed and his wife injured after the couple was shot outside their home Saturday night, Alaska State Troopers report.

Troopers say a suspect was tracked to an area off Bradley Road and taken into custody early this morning. He hasn't yet been charged with a crime so troopers are not releasing his name.

Verna and Robert Carey were shot outside their home, near Mile 115 of the Parks Highway, troopers said. Verna Carey, 58, made her way back inside and called 911 around 10:25 p.m., said trooper spokeswoman Beth Ipsen. Troopers were able to get her to medics waiting nearby. She was taken to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot wound.

Robert Carey, 66, was found dead in the driveway.

A number of law enforcement officers responded. Troopers used their helicopter, Helo 1, to search for the suspect. A Special Emergency Reaction Team that includes troopers and a Wasilla police officer was deployed. SERT is a tactical team called out for situations with a higher-than-normal degree of danger, according to troopers.

Troopers from Palmer and Talkeetna also responded. So did those with the Alaska Bureau of Highway Patrol, as well as a Palmer police officer with the bureau.

The suspect was taken into custody around 4:50 a.m.

Troopers' Alaska Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation. Troopers are looking at a variety of issues including whether and how the suspect knew the victims, and what the couple was doing outdoors so late at night.

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