For Immediate Release

Kenai Grand Jury Indicts River Aspelund for

Murdering Mom
Sept. 15, 2022 (Kenai, AK)—Yesterday, a Kenai grand jury indicted River Aspelund for
murdering his mother, Jeryl Bates. Aspelund, age 20, is charged with murder in the first
degree, murder in the second degree, manslaughter, and tampering with physical
evidence.
On Sept. 6, 2022, Soldotna Troopers responded to the residence Aspelund shared with
his mother at the Bernice Lake Trailer Park in Nikiski after receiving a request from a
family member to conduct a welfare check on Bates. Troopers found Aspelund in the
residence and the body of his deceased mother.
Scene investigation found several gunshot wounds to Bates’ head and torso, as well as
multiple knife injuries.
The charges in the indictment are only allegations and are not evidence of guilt. The
defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the prosecution
must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, he faces up to 104 years in prison. Aspelund will be arraigned on Sept. 20
at 2:30 pm in Kenai. He is currently in custody at Wildwood Correctional Center with bail
set at $1 million performance bond, $1 million appearance bond with 10 percent
posting, and a third party custodian.
CONTACT: District Attorney Scot Leaders at 907-283-3131.

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Department Media Contact: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at (907) 269-
6368 desk, cell (907) 310-7490 or patty.sullivan@alaska.gov