Full Breakdown
Alaska Man Charged with Murdering Grandmother in Wheelchair
1/24/2026, 5:39:30 AM
Fatal Incident in Fairbanks
Brian Davenport, a 29-year-old man from Fairbanks, Alaska, has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of his 87-year-old grandmother, Velma Koontz. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Koontz's home, where she was found shot in the back of the head while seated in her wheelchair. Davenport allegedly used his grandfather's handgun to commit the act, claiming he wanted to spare her from worrying about her legacy, likening the killing to "pulling the plug" on a person.
Circumstances Surrounding the Shooting
Fairbanks police responded to a 911 call made by Koontz's husband, Keith, who reported finding his wife deceased upon returning from a store trip. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim and quickly identified Davenport as a suspect. According to police reports, Davenport admitted to killing his grandmother during questioning, stating he had initially intended to kill someone else but changed his mind. He expressed a desire for her to die "peacefully" and acknowledged that he understood "killing someone is wrong."
Health Background of the Victim
Reports indicate that Velma Koontz had been diagnosed with cancer and was under hospice care at the time of her death. This context raises questions about the motivations behind Davenport's actions, although Fairbanks Police Chief Ron Dupee noted that the exact motivations remain unclear.
Behavioral Concerns and Legal Proceedings
Prior to the discovery of his grandmother's body, Davenport had called 911 but did not engage with the dispatcher. Officers later found him pacing erratically along a roadway, leading to his transport to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for evaluation. Following this, he was taken into custody and booked into the Fairbanks Correctional Center, where he is currently held on a $5 million bail. Davenport appeared in court for his arraignment and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 30.
Criticism and Community Response
George Koontz, the victim's son, has expressed concerns about Davenport's behavior, labeling him a danger to the public due to a prior incident where he allegedly assaulted his mother. This statement underscores the community's apprehension regarding Davenport's mental state and the implications of his actions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the police have provided a detailed account of the events leading to the murder, there is still uncertainty regarding the full context of Davenport's mental health and any previous incidents that may have influenced his actions. The Public Defender Agency, representing Davenport, has not yet commented on the case.
Verbatim Quotes
- “didn’t want her to worry about the legacy she left behind.” — Brian Davenport
- “He’s a danger to the public,” — George Koontz, Victim's Son
- “The grandma obviously had some health issues, whether that was the motivation behind the killing, we don’t know,” — Ron Dupee, Fairbanks Police Chief
This case highlights the complexities surrounding mental health, familial relationships, and the tragic outcomes that can arise from such situations.
