On June 30, 2019, in Kenai, Alaska, 60-year-old Rachelle Armstrong and her 39-year-old daughter, Lisa Rutzebeck, were found dead inside their home after reports of gunfire; both were victims of a shooting. Kenai Police responded early that morning and investigators say preliminary findings suggested both women had been shot.

A 25-year-old Kenai resident, Masonn Byrd, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Court records show Byrd had prior legal encounters, including a 2016 attempted murder charge that was dismissed as part of a plea deal and resulted in convictions for weapons charges and assault. Authorities searched the Kenai River with help from a Nikiski dive team and recovered a handgun believed to be connected to the homicides; the firearm was sent to the state crime lab for analysis.

Investigators reportedly found text messages on Armstrong’s cellphone that indicated communications with Byrd about drug transactions and debts, and Byrd’s grandfather told authorities Byrd had confessed and planned to dispose of the weapon in the river. Byrd has denied involvement. If anyone has information about Rachelle Armstrong, Lisa Rutzebeck or the events in Kenai that morning, please share what is known.