FAIRBANKS, Alaska — A Fairbanks jury found Matthew Lee Myers guilty of multiple charges, including second-degree murder, following a shooting incident that resulted in the death of 29-year-old Rolando Khaleel Pressley on May 6, 2022. After a six-day trial, the jury deliberated for over nine hours before reaching their verdict on Friday.
Myers, 45, was convicted of three counts of felony second-degree murder, which included one count stemming from a lesser-included charge of first-degree murder. Additionally, he faced a charge of felony weapons misconduct, four counts of felony third-degree assault, and a charge of misdemeanor reckless endangerment. He was acquitted on one count of felony second-degree weapons misconduct.
The upcoming sentencing for Myers will take place on September 29 at the Rabinowitz Courthouse. The day of the shooting began at Myers’ home on Eighth Avenue when he noticed something unusual: a man, later identified as Pressley, appeared to be rummaging through a Dumpster. Concerned, Myers armed himself with a Glock 19 and headed downtown in search of Pressley.
Myers claimed that when he confronted Pressley near SpringHill Suites at the intersection of First Avenue and Cushman Street, Pressley lunged at him, prompting Myers to shoot in self-defense. Pressley was declared dead shortly after arriving at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. An autopsy revealed that he had sustained seven gunshot wounds.
Witnesses around the scene reported hearing raised voices followed by the sound of gunfire. A construction worker described witnessing the altercation and hearing shots while taking cover behind a vehicle. Expert testimony suggested that Myers believed he was under attack, which influenced the jury’s evaluation of his actions.
However, Assistant District Attorney Katherine Gonsalves argued that Myers’ pursuit of Pressley indicated he acted as the aggressor. In her closing statements, she emphasized that Pressley’s injuries were inconsistent with his being the attacker, as the wounds were primarily to his back and side.
Defense attorney Bill Satterberg countered this narrative, asserting that Myers acted in self-defense and did not intend to kill. He described the state’s accusations as unfounded and argued for the consideration of Myers’ perspective during the encounter.
Satterberg maintained that if Myers had truly intended to kill Pressley, he would have chosen a different time or place for such an act. He emphasized the emotional weight of the case, reinforcing that it was a tragic incident for everyone involved.
Despite the differing viewpoints from both sides, the jury’s decision has set the stage for sentencing later this month.
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