A grand jury has indicted a Kotlik man on counts of murder and cruelty to animals. According to a state trooper affidavit, Kotlik resident Pius Teeluk, 44, strangled his girlfriend to death after stabbing and killing her dog.
On March 10 around 1 a.m., troopers received a 911 call from Teeluk’s girlfriend saying that he threatened to kill her. About 10 hours later, troopers received another call from Kotlik. This time, it was Teeluk telling troopers that he had woken up and his girlfriend was dead.
Troopers arrived in Kotlik a few hours after the second 911 call. Severe weather delayed their arrival, as can often be the case when troopers respond to remote villages.
According to the affidavit, Teeluk told troopers that both he and his girlfriend were drinking homebrew and began arguing. Teeluk told troopers that he was angry at his girlfriend and stabbed her dog, killing it.
Troopers found bite marks and scratches on Teeluk’s arms consistent with injuries received from someone being strangled and fighting to break free. According to the affidavit, Teeluk told troopers that his girlfriend was punching him and he grabbed her throat to stop her.
If convicted at trial, Teeluk faces up to 99 years in prison.