The Kenai Courthouse is seen on Monday, July 3, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

The Kenai Courthouse is seen on Monday, July 3, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Grand jury indicts woman accused of murdering 78-year-old Soldotna man

LaShaunda Lewis is charged in the death of 78-year-old John “Skip” Dove Jr.

A 31-year-old traveling nurse from Virginia was indicted on murder charges by a Kenai grand jury last week, and arraigned in superior court on Tuesday.

LaShaunda Lewis was indicted with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder for the death of 78-year-old John “Skip” Dove Jr. Those charges match the ones she was arrested under earlier this month, when Dove was found stabbed to death in his home off Sports Lake Road north of Soldotna.

Lewis is a traveling nurse who was renting a downstairs space in the home while working at Central Peninsula Hospital. She is currently in custody of the State Department of Corrections at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center in Eagle River.

Lewis’ attorney, Andy Pevehouse, submitted a not guilty plea on her behalf on all three charges. Her next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8 in Kenai, with a trial tentatively scheduled for Oct. 20.

Alaska State Troopers arrested Lewis after they received a strange call on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and responded to Dove’s house to find him dead and Lewis covered in blood. Both exhibited stab wounds, but an affidavit included in charging documents says that they believe Lewis’ injuries were self-inflicted. The day before the incident, troopers spoke to Lewis and Dove, who said that she seemed confused. Troopers said she declined treatment, the affidavit says.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

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