Site Logo

Police investigate death in Lemon Creek area

Published 10:30 pm Friday, October 28, 2022

Emergency lights flash on top of a police car. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Emergency lights flash on top of a police car. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

This article has been updated.

Police confirmed a 34-year-old man was found dead Saturday morning near a Lemon Creek area car wash, according to Juneau Police Department.

JPD identified the man as 34-year-old John Lee Loper. The death is not considered suspicious, JPD said in a news release, and there is no public safety concern in connection to the death, which was due to a gunshot. Loper’s next of kin has been notified.

At 8:18 a.m. police received a report of a dead man outside of a business in the 5400 block of Bent Court. Upon arriving, Capital City Fire/Rescue and JPD confirmed the death of the man, according to JPD. Police worked with nearby businesses to gather evidence and determine the cause of death.

A firearm was located at the scene, and police were able to confirm the time of death, which was shortly before 6 a.m. Saturday.

During the investigation, the area of Ralph Way and Bent Court was closed for about three hours, according to JPD.

Contact the Juneau Empire newsroom at (907)308-4895. Have a news tip? Email editor@juneauempire.com.