Anchorage police arrested a 27-year-old man on Monday in connection with a deadly stabbing at Chelsea Inn. Officers responded to a report of a stabbing late Saturday night at the Spenard Hotel, according to a police statement.
Medics found 25-year-old Michael Kaskey suffering from a stab wound to the abdomen inside the lobby. Despite their efforts to save him, Kaskey was declared dead at the scene. Authorities later identified and arrested Mathew Alexie, 27, on charges of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Court documents said Alexie arrived at the Chelsea Inn with three others, including a woman who allegedly skipped paying a $20 entry fee. Kaskey had been collecting the fee at the hotel’s front entrance.
An Officer named Troy Clark gave a sworn statement stating that surveillance footage captured Alexie carrying a large knife as his group approached the hotel. After the woman entered without paying, Kaskey confronted her.
A witness said Alexie attempted to intervene, which led to a confirmation. According to the witness, the two men clashed, and Kaskey pushed Alexie. Alexie then allegedly pushed Kaskey, who fell and tumbled down the stairs.
While the stabbing itself wasn’t captured on video, footage showed Alexie afterward standing outside holding the knife in a threatening posture. Police released the photos of Alexie and the Chevrolet Suburban he left in. Officers tracked the vehicle to an address in Government Hill and arrested Alexie there.
Hotel representatives were unreachable for comment Tuesday morning. The police department has not released further details about the arrest or what led to the stabbing. As of Tuesday, no spokesperson has provided updates on the case.
