John “Skip” Dove Jr. dies in fatal Soldotna stabbing

John “Skip” Dove Jr. dies in fatal Soldotna stabbing

Fatal Soldotna stabbing death of John “Skip” Dove Jr.

A Virginia woman, identified as LaShaunda Lewis, faces charges of murder after the death of a man she was renting a room from in Soldotna. Authorities report John “Skip” Dove Jr., aged 78, was discovered deceased within his residence on Tuesday afternoon following a call to state troopers.

Soldotna’s John “Skip” Dove Jr. met his death in his home back in August of 2025.

LaShaunda Lewis, reported to be 31 years old, is the woman in custody according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Lewis was renting accommodation from Dove.

Official documents indicate Lewis has been formally charged with one count of first-degree domestic violence murder and two counts of second-degree domestic violence murder.

Charging papers detail that Lewis works as a traveling nurse focusing on behavioral health and psychiatry. Troopers initiated a welfare check at Dove’s home the day prior, on Monday, concerning Lewis. This action was prompted by a call received from her mother. During this check, Lewis reportedly told a trooper that she needed to undergo a psychological assessment herself, though she declined to do so immediately.

An affidavit states that the following day, Tuesday, a 911 call led troopers back to the home. They found Lewis unclothed and injured. After she was transported to a hospital due to her self-inflicted injuries, Dove’s body was located on the floor, the autopsy revealing multiple stab wounds as the cause of death.

In an interview with law enforcement, charging documents suggest Lewis confessed to causing Dove’s death and expressed confusion about the events. Investigators noted that a video found on Dove’s phone captured Lewis whispering “Help me” and “He tried to kill me.” While authorities state Lewis claimed there had been a struggle, she also appeared unable to recall all the details surrounding the incident.

Dove, serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era, was remembered by authorities as a veteran.