Alaska Grandson Accused of Executing Grandmother in Wheelchair, Told Police He Was “Pulling the Plug”
FAIRBANKS, ALASKA — A 29-year-old Alaska man is facing a first-degree murder charge after police say he executed his own grandmother by shooting her in the back of the head while she sat in her wheelchair, later comparing the killing to “pulling the plug.”
Police Respond to Disturbing 911 Call in Fairbanks
According to the Fairbanks Police Department, officers were dispatched around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday to a home in the 1000 block of 22nd Avenue after a 911 caller reported a deceased woman inside the residence.
When officers arrived, they found 87-year-old Velma Koontz dead inside the home, seated in her wheelchair with an apparent gunshot wound to the back of her head. Her husband told investigators he had gone to the store and returned to find his handgun outside the house and his wife dead inside.
Grandson Immediately Admits to Killing
Investigators quickly focused on the victim’s grandson, Brian Davenport, who was located shortly after the incident. Police say Davenport immediately told officers that he had killed someone and was transported to police headquarters for questioning.
After being advised of his rights, Davenport allegedly admitted that he stole his grandfather’s handgun and shot his grandmother, according to police. Officers say Davenport acknowledged that killing someone is wrong, but still compared his actions to ending life support.
Erratic Behavior and Earlier 911 Call Raise Alarms
Court documents reveal that less than an hour before Koontz’s body was discovered, Davenport had placed a 911 call, provided an address, and then refused to answer further questions.
An officer later found Davenport behaving erratically along the roadside and transported him to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital out of concern that he could be struck by passing vehicles. While Davenport was at the hospital, police learned of his grandmother’s death and questioned him again, at which point he again admitted responsibility.
Motive Linked to Grandmother’s Illness
When asked about his motive, Davenport reportedly told investigators he wanted to make sure his grandmother died “peacefully” and said he “didn’t want her to worry about the legacy she left behind.” Authorities later confirmed that Koontz had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving hospice care at the time of her death.
Police also allege Davenport stated that he initially planned to kill someone else but changed his mind and killed his grandmother instead, a detail included in charging documents.
First-Degree Murder Charge and $5 Million Bond
Davenport was formally charged with first-degree murder with intent to cause death and booked into the Fairbanks Correctional Center. He is currently being held on a $5 million bond.
He appeared in court for arraignment on Wednesday and is scheduled to return for a preliminary hearing on Friday, Jan. 30. The Alaska Public Defender Agency, which represents Davenport, has not commented publicly on the case.
Community Shock as Case Moves Forward
The killing has left the Fairbanks community stunned, particularly due to the victim’s advanced age, medical condition, and the close family relationship involved. Prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on Davenport’s own statements to police as the case progresses.
This remains an active case, and additional details may emerge during future court proceedings.
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