Army officer killed as bystander in central Alaska shooting

Army First Lt. Brandon Keyon Moultrie, 28, died May 5, 2024, in Fairbanks, Alaska, after being shot outside a bar the day before. (United States Army)

An Army platoon leader stationed in Alaska died Sunday from gunshot wounds sustained the day before while attending a shootout in downtown Fairbanks, the Army said in a news release Monday.

According to the news release, First Lt. Brandon Keyon Moultrie, 28, of Columbia, South Carolina, died at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

Moultrie was shot in the back of the head during an altercation outside the International Hotel and Bar, the Anchorage Daily News reported Monday.

Moultrie was not involved in the argument and was hit by a random gunshot, Fairbanks police told the newspaper.

Shamar Rashied Terrill Snipes, 21, was arrested Saturday and charged Monday with second-degree murder, the report said.

Moultrie was a logistics platoon leader with 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, 16th Fighter Aviation Brigade, the Army news release said.

He enlisted in July 2013 and was hired through Officer Candidate School in 2022. After stints at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, he was stationed in Alaska in May 2023. Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and Fort Stewart, Georgia.

“His death is a great loss to our community and all who knew him, and he will be sorely missed,” Col. Derek Smith, commander of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, said in the release.

“Our sympathies are with the Moultrie family at this incredibly difficult time and we are committed to providing the utmost care and support to his family and friends.”

Moultrie’s awards and decorations included the Army Commendation Medal, three Army Achievement Medal awards, three Army Good Conduct Medal awards, the National Defense Service Medal, the Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge, according to the release.

He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Troy University in Alabama.

Just days before his death, Moultrie was recognized by facility management for his volunteer work in the Fort Wainwright community, the statement said.