FAIRBANKS, Alaska — The Fairbanks community is mourning the tragic loss of 87-year-old Velma Koontz, who was found dead in her home on 22nd Avenue on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. According to the Fairbanks Police Department, officers responded to a call at approximately 3:45 p.m. and discovered Velma inside her residence, seated in her wheelchair, with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the back of her head.
Her husband, who had briefly stepped out to run errands, returned to find his wife deceased and his firearm outside, a heartbreaking scene that has left family, friends, and neighbors in shock. Velma was known as a devoted mother, grandmother, and a pillar in the Fairbanks community. Friends and family remember her for her warmth, kindness, and the quiet strength she exhibited throughout her life.
In a tragic turn of events, Velma’s grandson, Brian Davenport, 29, immediately admitted to police that he had taken the life of his grandmother. According to FPD, Davenport told investigators that he had initially planned to harm someone else but ultimately targeted Velma instead. During questioning, he acknowledged the moral wrongness of his actions but compared his decision to “pulling the plug” on a person. He was subsequently arrested for First-Degree Murder and is currently being held without bail at the Fairbanks Correctional Center.
This devastating incident has sent ripples throughout the Fairbanks community, leaving friends, neighbors, and loved ones grappling with grief and disbelief. Velma’s family described her as a loving, dedicated woman who cared deeply for those around her. Her life was marked by devotion to her family, her community, and the countless small acts of kindness she performed daily, which are now remembered as her enduring legacy.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to contact the Fairbanks Police Department at 907-450-6500 or via email at fpdinvestigations@fairbanks.gov.
In the wake of this tragedy, Fairbanks mourns the loss of Velma Koontz, a cherished grandmother and community member whose absence will be felt by all who knew her. Family and friends are left to honor her memory and carry forward the love and care she shared throughout her lifetime.
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