By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living February 2026
The Anchorage Police Department is asking for the public’s immediate help in two active and urgent cases: the search for a missing 16-year-old girl and the identification of a man captured on video in a July homicide investigation.
Police stress that even small pieces of information could make a critical difference.
Missing Juvenile: Shelby Woodworth
Officers are working to locate 16-year-old Shelby Woodworth, who was last seen leaving West High School at approximately 10:00 a.m. on February 20, 2026.
According to police, Shelby boarded a People Mover bus headed toward Dimond Center Mall. Prior to leaving school, she reportedly made concerning statements about her welfare, raising fears for her safety.
Shelby is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, approximately 103 to 105 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle hoodie with matching pants.
Anyone with information about Shelby’s whereabouts is urged to call Police Dispatch at 3-1-1 (option 1) or 907-786-8900 (press 0). Anonymous tips can be submitted through Anchorage Crime Stoppers at https://www.anchoragecrimestoppers.com/.
APD Case: 26-5354
Police note that to clear someone from missing status, officers must first be notified the individual has been located and then make in-person contact.
Police Seek to Identify Man in July Homicide Case
In a separate investigation, detectives are now zeroing in on a key lead in the July 7, 2025 assault near 2850 C Street that later became a homicide.
Officers originally responded at 9:52 p.m. to reports of an unresponsive adult male who appeared to have been assaulted. Medics with the Anchorage Fire Department transported the victim to a hospital. On July 10, police were notified that the man had died from his injuries.
He was identified as 49-year-old Jason Ayojiak. Next-of-kin notifications have been completed.
Now, investigators have released video of a man they believe may have critical information about the assault. The individual appears to be wearing dark clothing and carrying a backpack.
Police say identifying this man is a priority in the case.
Anyone who recognizes him, was in the area that night, or has surveillance footage from the vicinity of 2850 C Street is asked to contact Police Dispatch at 3-1-1 (option 1) or 907-786-8900 (option 0). Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Anchorage Crime Stoppers.
The homicide investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been filed.
APD Case: 25-20778
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