GPS questions remain as Ft. Wainwright soldier charged with Fairbanks murder appears in court

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU) - The Fairbanks active-duty soldier arrested and charged with murder, while out on bail earlier this month, appeared virtually from jail for a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Fort Wainwright soldier Adayus Robertson, 24, has been charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and two counts of violating conditions of release in connection with the death of Joseph Casas, 37.

The Fairbanks Police Department has confirmed that Casas and Robertson knew each other.

Robertson, according to court documents, had been released on bail related to two other cases, whose arraignments were also scheduled for Wednesday to cover. They include a February second-degree assault charge and a March case prosecutors say involves third-degree escape and violating release conditions charges.

Robertson is also scheduled to start trial at the end of May for another January case involving second and third-degree assault.

Fairbanks police say they knew Robertson was out on bail and was wearing an ankle monitor. After speaking to witnesses, police say they began searching for Robertson, who was located at the Big Dipper Ice Arena.

During a press conference earlier this month, FPD Chief Ron Dupee said it was the monitor that allowed officers to apprehend Robertson within 20 minutes of their response to the crime scene.

Dupee said Robertson’s monitor did not have a geofence, which relies on GPS technology to monitor defendants’ locations prior to trial. The chief said that meant no alert was sent out when Robertson potentially traveled outside the area his release conditions allowed.

Alaska’s News Source Investigates reached out to the Alaska Department of Corrections’ Public Information Officer, Betsy Holley, to confirm if Robertson’s monitor did not have a geofence.

While Holley confirmed Robertson was under court-ordered supervision at the time prosecutors say Casas was murdered, she said she could not provide information about any conditions of his supervision, citing the details are “protected by law and not subject to public disclosure.”

“Due to the ongoing felony case and the potential risk of inadvertently disclosing protected criminal justice information, it is in the best interest of all parties to prioritize the integrity of the legal process,” Holley stated. “We appreciate your understanding and commitment to responsible reporting.”

Robertson’s bail has been set at $2.5 million.

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