A second man has been charged in the murder of a man in Emmonak on New Year’s Day. Thirty-nine-year-old Brian Agwiak was found dead in his home in Emmonak on Jan. 1. In their original dispatch, Alaska State Troopers said that they arrested Rudolf Waska, 27, for beating Agwiak to death.
On Jan. 11, the troopers provided an update on their investigation of the murder. They now say that Waska had an accomplice. They say that Waska and Emmonak resident Darren Hootch, 34, planned to rob Agwiak of his alcohol while he was at home.
According to the scenario provided by troopers, after entering Agwiak’s residence, Hootch threatened him with a copper pipe. Agwiak told the intruders that he didn’t have any alcohol and demanded that they leave. Waska then beat him with his fists until he was unconscious, and continued to assault him until he was dead. Neither Hootch nor Waska sought medical attention for Agwiak, according to troopers.
Both men are charged with murder, robbery, assault, burglary, and tampering with evidence. Waska’s bail is set at $100,000 and Hootch’s is set at $50,000.
