No arrests made in killing of two 18-year-old women in Hooper Bay, troopers say

Alaska State Troopers say they are investigating the deaths of two 18-year-old women in the Southwest Alaska village of Hooper Bay after they were found dead early Wednesday.

Troopers said Thursday that Novely Rivers and Abigail Olson were found at a residence just before 5:30 a.m.

No arrests had been made as of Saturday. On Friday, officials announced the City of Hooper Bay and Native Village of Hooper Bay were offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who provides information to troopers that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for Rivers’ and Olson’s deaths.

“Based on evidence at the scene, the deaths are being investigated as a homicide, and the Alaska Bureau of Investigation has assumed case responsibility,” troopers said in an online dispatch Thursday. “Ten Troopers from the Alaska Bureau of Investigation and Western Alaska Patrol have responded to assist with the investigation.”

Troopers spokesman Austin McDaniel said in an email that he had no detailed information to release Thursday due to the “active and ongoing investigation.” The bodies of both women have been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.

Hooper Bay, which has about 1,300 residents, is located along the Bering Sea coast on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.

Troopers asked anyone with information who has not already spoken with investigators to call 907-543-2294 or submit anonymous tips using the AKTips smartphone app or online.