Russian Mission man shot to death in his home, Alaska State Troopers say

A 46-year-old resident of the Yukon River village of Russian Mission died Monday in a shooting at his home, Alaska State Troopers said.

Richard Pitka, a 45-year-old Russian Mission resident, is facing charges of second-degree murder in the shooting. Patrick Changsak was pronounced dead at the village clinic Monday evening, according to a criminal complaint filed with charges.

A witness said he saw Pitka go to Changsak’s home holding a rifle with a wooden stock and heard two gunshots, one as Pitka was on the porch and the next 10 seconds later, according to a sworn affidavit filed by troopers investigator Eric Pavil.

Troopers said bad weather delayed them from flying immediately to the village. Pitka was held at the public safety building until they arrived.