Brett Edward Allen was an 18-year-old senior at North Pole High School whose life ended in a roadside shooting near Fairbanks in the early morning of January 14, 2021. Family remembered him as energetic and mechanically inclined, with interests in snowmachines, motorcycles, BMX racing and snowboarding; he reportedly hoped to join the Marines or start a trade after graduation.

The confrontation began after an argument at the Peterson residence. Two young people left and rode with Robert Reed and Allen. They later encountered Aaron Peterson near Goldstream Road and Old Steese Highway; Aaron fled to the trees and called his father, saying people were trying to kill him. Anthony Peterson arrived, and a physical and verbal dispute involved Allen and Anthony while multiple firearms were present. Allen was struck several times; a forensic exam found a bullet entering the right side of his chest caused the fatal wound, and his death was ruled a homicide.

Alaska State Troopers arrested Anthony, 43, and Aaron, 18. Both faced murder charges and were indicted on first- and second-degree murder counts. At Anthony’s trial the jury acquitted him of first-degree murder but convicted him of second-degree murder on May 17, 2024. If anyone knew Brett or has information about the shooting, please come forward.