An Anchorage jury returned guilty verdicts for 28-year-old Jesse Lee Jones for Murder in the First Degree, two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. The charges stem from the shooting death of 34-year-old Josiah Goecker, occurring on Oct. 23, 2023.
Goecker was the community director for the Alpine Apartments in Anchorage, where Jones lived with his girlfriend.
After Goecker posted a notice of non-renewal of their lease on the couple’s door, Jones armed himself and went to the leasing office, where he shot Goecker at least six times.
Another employee was present and witnessed the event and was in fear she might also be killed by the defendant.
Jones fled the scene and was apprehended by the Alaska State Troopers in Palmer on Oct. 26, 2023. He ultimately confessed to the murder.
At trial, Jones claimed that he acted in the “heat of passion” when he shot Goecker and that his charges should be mitigated to manslaughter. He also argued that he acted in self-defense, which would have absolved him of criminal liability for the murder charges.
The jury rejected both of those defenses.
Sentencing is set for July 11, 2025, before trial Judge Andrew Peterson. For the highest charge, Murder in the First Degree, Jones faces a sentencing range of 30 to 99 years.
The Anchorage Police Department’s Homicide Unit investigated the case, which was prosecuted by District Attorney Brittany Dunlop and Assistant District Attorney Dekota Smith.