A Kodiak Grand Jury indicted 16-year-old Kavik Skonberg on Thursday, Dec. 12, for four counts of Assault in the First Degree and seven counts of Assault in the Third Degree. The charges arose from a Nov. 9, 2024, incident that resulted in burn injuries to 11 teenagers at White Sands Beach, just north of the City of Kodiak.
At that time, approximately 20-40 teenagers were at a party at white sands beach when Skonbeg is alleged to have placed a 55-gallon drum of fuel in a fire, causing a large explosion.
Eleven juveniles at the party sustained injuries due to the explosion, including five who were medevaced to Anchorage area hospitals with moderate injuries. Some of the injured are still being treated for burns in Anchorage.
At around 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10th, State Troopers arrested Skonberg, and he was remanded to the Division of Juvenile Justice custody.
These charges are only allegations against Mr. Skonberg. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Alaska State Troopers and is being prosecuted by Kodiak District Attorney William Vitkus.
Skonberg is set to be arraigned on Dec. 16.
Cover photo credit: One of several ash piles near the entrance to White Sands Beach near Kodiak. The beach is a popular spot for bonfires, fishing, bear watching, walks, or letting dogs run around off-leash. (Brian Venua/KMXT)
