One of the defendants in a Klawock murder case has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. 24-year-old Blaise Dilts changed his plea from not guilty to guilty of murder in the 2nd degree. He was being charged with first-degree murder in the death of 80-year-old Lincoln “Bingo” Peratrovich.
Dilts’ plea deal, which was heard on May 1st in the Prince of Wales Courthouse, would drop four other felonies against him.
The charges stem from an incident in March of 2023. Investigators say that Dilts and two others used heavy objects to beat Peratrovich to death inside his trailer home. According to the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, “comments on a Facebook post about the victim appeared to encourage violence”.
The difference between first and second degree is intent. First degree involves plans to kill someone, while second degree doesn’t include premeditation. Both can result in life imprisonment.
Two others are also being charged. 24-year-old Moses Blanchard is also facing first-degree murder and other felonies. 20-year-old Gonzalo Sanchez is facing second-degree murder charges and other felonies. Sanchez was a minor at the time of the incident. Both defendants are scheduled for trial in early June.
Superior Court Judge Daniel Doty will decide on Dilts’ change of plea at his sentencing, which is scheduled for September 22 in the Prince of Wales Courthouse.
