Woman killed in Gila River shooting was 'beloved daughter and sister.' What to know
The Gila River community was rocked last week when two people — including a Gila River police officer — were killed in a shooting that also left four others injured, including another officer.
The officers were responding to a disturbance at a home early Saturday in Santan, District 4, of the Gila River Indian Community according to the Gila River Police Department. The disturbance involved a large crowd and multiple gunshots were fired.
Two suspects have since been arrested.
Joshua Briese, who had been with the Police Department for less than a year, died from his injuries. While the department released information on Briese, not as much info has been shared about the woman who died from her injuries as well. Here is what we know:
Who was the woman killed in the shooting?
Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said 23-year-old Alicen Apkaw died from gunfire in the incident.
"I spent time with Alicen's mother, father and siblings at the hospital, and I spoke to them again today," Lewis said in a statement. "They told me how much Alicen loved her family, and how much they want unity, positivity, and peace to come from this tragedy. Alicen worked for the Community's San Tan casino in our housekeeping department, where her work family also is taking her loss very hard. From all I have learned about Alicen since her death, she was a beloved daughter and sister, a loyal friend and co-worker, fast to laugh, hard working, joyous and supportive. To lose a young woman like Alicen, in the prime of her life, is a loss I can only describe as devastating.
More: Here's what we know about the shooting that killed a Gila River police officer and civilian
When was she pronounced dead?
It was not immediately clear when Apkaw was pronounced deceased or whether she died at the scene or a hospital.
What did Apkaw do for a living?
Kenneth Manuel, CEO of Gila River Resorts & Casinos, said Apkaw worked for the company while Lewis said she worked for the company's housekeeping department
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved team member, Alicen Apkaw. As an Enterprise and Community, we are devastated by this tragic loss," Manuel said in a statement. "Let us remember Alicen for her contributions to the Enterprise but more importantly, remember the laughter and joy she brought to the Gila River Resorts & Casinos family. She was a lover of country music and enjoyed welcoming and training new team members. As an Enterprise, we will continue to support her family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and our team members.”
Is funeral arrangement information publicly available?
It is not immediately clear whether a funeral or similar event has been organized or is open to beyond invited friends and family.
When will more information be available?
It was not immediately clear if or when more information about the deceased or injured would be available, though Lewis noted that public engagement would be limited.
"Our Community government has come together to begin to craft a path forward and has already taken steps to protect public safety here on Community land," Lewis said. "In the meantime, we will be limiting our public engagement on the matter out of respect for our bereaved families and for the investigation that is in progress. Thank you for your continued prayers and support."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What we know about Alicen Apkaw, woman killed in Gila River shooting
