A traveling psychiatric nurse in Alaska has been charged with murdering her 78-year-old landlord after police discovered an unsettling phone recording made during the fatal incident.
At a Glance
- LaShaunda Lewis, 31, is accused of killing John “Skip” Dove Jr., 78
- Victim was a Vietnam War veteran found stabbed in his Soldotna home
- Police discovered an audio recording with the suspect’s voice saying “help me”
- Lewis was found the next day naked and bleeding from self-inflicted wounds
- She faces multiple charges including first-degree murder
Discovery of the Crime
Authorities in Soldotna, Alaska, were called to perform a welfare check on John “Skip” Dove Jr., a well-known local and Vietnam War veteran. Officers found Dove deceased in his home with multiple stab wounds. The condition of the scene indicated a violent struggle, though no forced entry was observed.
Investigators quickly identified LaShaunda Lewis, a 31-year-old traveling psychiatric nurse who had been renting a room from Dove, as a suspect. A search of her belongings uncovered a mobile phone containing an audio recording made around the time of the killing.
Audio Evidence and Arrest
The audio file reportedly captured Lewis whispering phrases including “help me” and “he tried to kill me.” Authorities believe the recording was made during or shortly after the incident. They have not publicly confirmed whether Dove’s voice can be heard in the file, but prosecutors argue that the content suggests a confrontation turned deadly.
Watch now: Travel nurse charged with murder in Soldotna landlord’s stabbing death · YouTube
Lewis was located the next day in a disoriented state, found naked and suffering from self-inflicted cuts. She was transported to a hospital for treatment before being taken into custody. In initial interviews, she allegedly admitted involvement in Dove’s death but claimed she could not recall details due to memory lapses.
Legal Proceedings
Lewis faces charges including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and evidence tampering. Court documents indicate that prosecutors will use the phone recording as central evidence, alongside forensic analysis of the crime scene and medical examiner findings.
Public defenders representing Lewis have not yet entered a formal plea but have requested psychiatric evaluation. They cite her recent work in high-stress mental health facilities and possible psychological strain as relevant factors in her defense.
Community Response
Dove’s death has shaken the small Soldotna community, where he was known for his volunteer work and friendly demeanor. Friends and neighbors have expressed shock at both the violence of the incident and the unusual circumstances surrounding the recording.
Local veteran organizations have pledged support for Dove’s surviving family, while legal experts in Alaska have commented on the rarity of homicide cases involving such direct audio documentation.
The case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing later this month, where prosecutors are expected to outline the role of the recording and other digital evidence in building their case.
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