Mother Arrested After 6-Year-Old Son Found Dead in Apartment During Welfare Check

What started as a routine welfare check by a woman on her client took a devastating turn when she discovered the lifeless body of a young boy inside an apartment. Adding to the distressing scene, the child’s mother and younger sister were missing, leaving authorities searching for answers in the unfolding tragedy.

Authorities have described the incident as “devastating” after a tragic series of events unfolded in Fairbanks, Alaska, on Friday, February 7. According to a press release issued by the Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) on February 8 and shared on Facebook, the heartbreaking discovery has left the community in shock as investigators work to piece together what happened.

The Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) responded to the apartment of 36-year-old Heather Alexie after receiving a report about a “suspicious death,” authorities stated. The call came from a concerned individual who had not heard from Heather, one of her clients, for an extended period. Worried about Heather and her two children, the woman decided to visit the apartment to check on them.

However, upon entering the residence, she made a horrifying discovery—a young child was found deceased inside.

When police arrived at the scene, their investigation quickly led them to determine that the child, later identified as Heather’s 6-year-old son, Peter Alexie, had been the victim of a homicide. Adding to the distressing situation, Heather and her 5-year-old daughter, Renee Alexie, were missing. Despite efforts to locate them, authorities were initially unable to find the mother and daughter anywhere in the Fairbanks area.

Using phone-tracking technology, investigators traced Heather’s phone signal to the Anchorage region. Meanwhile, the public played a crucial role in the case—after police issued a “Missing Persons/Suspicious Circumstances” alert regarding Heather and Renee, concerned citizens came forward with tips that ultimately helped law enforcement pinpoint Heather’s exact location later that same day.

With assistance from the Anchorage Police Department (APD), authorities were able to track down Heather Alexie and her 5-year-old daughter, Renee, by the evening of Saturday. The Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) later provided an update on Facebook, confirming that both Heather and Renee had been safely located. According to officials, the mother and daughter were found “unharmed,” bringing some relief amid the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of Heather’s 6-year-old son.

As the investigation into the tragic death of her 6-year-old son, Peter Alexie, progressed, Heather Alexie transitioned from being a witness to a primary suspect. While cooperating with authorities, she came under scrutiny for her possible involvement in the case. During an interview conducted by homicide detectives from the Anchorage Police Department (APD), Heather reportedly made a shocking confession. According to the Fairbanks Police Department (FPD), she admitted to causing the injuries that ultimately led to Peter’s death. Authorities also revealed that, following the fatal incident, Heather left Fairbanks and traveled to Anchorage with her 5-year-old daughter, Renee, several days later.

Following her admission, Heather Alexie was taken into custody by the Anchorage Police Department (APD) and formally charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of her 6-year-old son, Peter. Meanwhile, authorities ensured the safety of her 5-year-old daughter, Renee, who was placed under the care of state child protective services. According to police, the young girl is now “safe,” bringing some reassurance amid the deeply distressing circumstances surrounding the case.

In a press release issued by the Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) on February 8, Chief Ron Dupee addressed the heartbreaking nature of the case, describing it as “incredibly tragic and heartbreaking.”

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, Dupee emphasized the profound impact of a child’s death. “The death of a child is always devastating, and our hearts go out to Peter’s loved ones and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss,” he stated.

He also acknowledged the emotional toll such cases take, not only on the victim’s family but also on law enforcement officers and the broader community. “Cases like this weigh heavily on our officers, detectives, and the entire community,” Dupee continued. He reassured the public that authorities remain dedicated to ensuring justice is served, adding, “We want to assure the public that we are committed to seeking justice for Peter.”

The Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) acknowledged the community’s strong desire for immediate answers regarding the tragic case. However, officials emphasized that there are crucial reasons why certain details cannot be released right away.

“This is one of those situations where law enforcement must withhold specific information for several important reasons,” the department stated, underscoring the complexities of the ongoing investigation.

Despite the understandable concern and urgency felt by the public, authorities urged patience, assuring the community that they are working diligently to handle the case with care. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we navigate these complex circumstances,” police added.