Fairbanks man indicted on murder charges for 2014 killing

FAIRBANKS — A Fairbanks man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a woman whose remains were found near North Pole in 2014.

Zachary Whisenhunt has been indicted on charges of first- and second-degree murder and evidence tampering. The 29-year-old suspect is scheduled to be arraigned in court Tuesday.

Authorities have not yet released the cause of 31-year-old Jenessa Kempski’s death. She had been reported missing on Oct. 23, 2014, and her remains were discovered less than two weeks later.

Whisenhunt is also charged in another case for allegedly fleeing from Fairbanks police in October after they tried to stop him for expired registration. A criminal complaint says he was eventually apprehended and found in possession of drugs and a handgun.

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