Sutton man charged with murder in homicide of his father

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A manhunt for a homicide suspect in Sutton concluded early Friday morning with the arrest of 21-year-old Grant Wells by Southcentral SWAT. The arrest took place at a cabin near Glennallen, approximately 15 minutes off the Glenn Highway, after a comprehensive investigation by Alaska State Troopers spanning two boroughs.

Wells has been charged with murder and arson in connection with the death of 56-year-old Nicholas Wells. Nicholas had sent a concerning text to his daughter shortly before his death, indicating possible distress involving his son. Just moments later, a neighbor reported hearing two gunshots, prompting the arrival of law enforcement at the scene.

Upon reaching the home on Jonesville Road, troopers discovered Nicholas deceased in his vehicle, a red Chevrolet Trailblazer. Investigators noted significant injuries on his body, particularly a back wound consistent with a shotgun blast, indicating a violent confrontation.

Troopers, collaborating with personnel from Delta Junction, sought to locate a white Nissan Versa linked to Grant Wells. Their efforts led them to an abandoned vehicle near the Glennallen cabin, where they later observed flames flickering inside.

During the confrontation, officers employed non-lethal methods to apprehend Wells, who had allegedly set the cabin ablaze with a bloodied shotgun inside. Although the cabin was engulfed in flames, it remains unclear whether it was completely destroyed. Wells is currently being held at the Mat-Su Pretrial facility in Palmer, where he has refrained from speaking during questioning.