Anchorage police seek man wanted in June fatal shooting

Police are searching for a man who they say is now a suspect in a fatal June shooting that also uncovered evidence of illegal gambling at an Anchorage apartment.

Jason E. Premo, 41, was charged with manslaughter Thursday, the Anchorage Police Department said in a written statement.

The gambling evidence has been turned over to the FBI, police spokesman MJ Thim said.

Officers believe that on June 18, Premo and the victim, 48-year-old Geoffrey Sorden, went into an apartment building on the 6000 block of Austin Street for "criminal reasons" — they intended to target the home, Thim said.

There, the two "got into an altercation, possibly over money," with the homeowner, Thim said.

"Sorden shot the homeowner in the lower body. The homeowner shot back and struck Sorden who died at the scene. Premo fled on foot," police said.

Inside the apartment, police found "evidence of gambling taking place," Thim said.

Thim declined to elaborate on what type of evidence was found.

The homeowner was still recovering from the gunshot wound Thursday, Thim said.

When asked whether any charges would be filed against the homeowner, Thim said police were still working on the investigation.

"We'll likely turn that over to the district attorney's office for review," Thim said.

Police had previously said the fatal June shooting was believed to be related to "ongoing activity … possibly money or drugs." Premo was named as a "person of interest" a few days after the shooting.

On Thursday, police issued a warrant for his arrest.

Anyone with information about Premo's whereabouts is asked to call 911, or make an anonymous tip at Anchorage Crime Stoppers.