The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the murder convictions of James Wells, a Kodiak man who was found guilty of killing two U.S. Coast Guard employees in April 2012. The convictions, which were initially handed down by a trial jury in 2019, were affirmed by the court in a recent ruling. The victims, Electrician’s Mate First Class James Hopkins and retired Chief Boatswain’s Mate Richard Belisle, were Wells’ co-workers at the Coast Guard base on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Wells was convicted in 2014, but the case was reversed for retrial in 2017. After a three-week retrial, Wells was again convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. The recent ruling by the court of appeals puts an end to the legal saga, ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
Convictions Upheld by Court of Appeals
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has recently upheld the murder convictions of James Wells, who was found guilty by a trial jury in October 2019 for the murders of two U.S. Coast Guard employees. The murders took place in April 2012 at a United States Coast Guard base on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Wells’ convictions were initially handed down in 2014, but the case was later reversed for retrial by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2017. After a three-week retrial, Wells was once again convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of murder of a federal employee, and two counts of possession and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Wells appealed the decision, but the court of appeals recently upheld his convictions, which means his sentence of life imprisonment remains in place.
The April 2012 Murders
In April 2012, two U.S. Coast Guard employees, Electrician’s Mate First Class James Hopkins and retired Chief Boatswain’s Mate Richard Belisle, were murdered at the USCG Communication Station (COMMSTA) on Kodiak Island. The killings occurred at the USCG antenna maintenance facility, where both victims and Wells worked.
Wells’ Arrest and Conviction
James Wells was arrested in February 2013 as a suspect in the murders of Hopkins and Belisle. He was convicted in 2014 and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the case was later reversed for retrial by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2017.
Case Reversed and Retrial
After the initial conviction was reversed, a retrial took place in October 2019. The retrial lasted for three weeks, and Wells was once again found guilty of the murders. The jury quickly convicted him of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of murder of a federal employee, and two counts of possession and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
October 2019 Convictions
In October 2019, Wells’ convictions were upheld, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders of Hopkins and Belisle. The court of appeals issued two separate rulings: one affirming the convictions and dismissing Wells’ arguments for a new trial, and another remanding the sentencing court’s decision on the valuation of restitution to the spouses of the victims.
Appeals Process
Wells’ Appeal
After his convictions in October 2019, Wells appealed the decision. He argued for a new trial, disputing the evidence presented against him and the credibility of the witnesses.
Court’s Ruling
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued its ruling on Wells’ appeal. The court upheld his murder convictions, stating that there was sufficient evidence to support the jury’s guilty verdict. The court dismissed Wells’ arguments for a new trial and affirmed the sentencing court’s decision.
Sentencing Court’s Decision on Restitution
In addition to affirming the murder convictions, the court of appeals also remanded the decision on how restitution would be paid to the spouses of the victims. This means that the sentencing court will need to reevaluate and determine the appropriate amount of restitution to be paid.
Impact and Closure
Reaction from U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, stating that it brings closure to the case for the families of the victims, as well as the Kodiak community and the United States Coast Guard. Tucker emphasized that justice has been served and that Wells will spend the rest of his life in prison for the murders.
Reaction from CGIS Special Agent in Charge Paul Shultz
CGIS Special Agent in Charge Paul Shultz expressed relief at the court’s decision, stating that it brings final closure to the heinous and heartless crime committed by Wells. He extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and commended the strength of the Kodiak community throughout this lengthy process.
Reaction from FBI Anchorage Field Office Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung
Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office expressed pride in the efforts of the trial team and their tireless pursuit of justice on behalf of the victims’ families. He stated that the court’s decision brings a sense of closure for everyone involved in the case.
Evidence at Trial
The Crime Scene
Evidence presented at trial established that the murders took place in the Rigger Shop at the USCG Communication Station (COMMSTA) on April 12, 2012. Wells shot and killed Hopkins and Belisle with a .44 revolver while they were working at their duty stations.
Wells’ Actions and Alibi
During the investigation, it was discovered that Wells had left two phone messages for Hopkins and Belisle after their time of death, claiming to be running late due to a flat tire. Wells arrived at the Rigger Shop over an hour after his normal start time, further supporting suspicions about his involvement.
Security Videos and Vehicle Swapping
USCG security videos captured Wells passing the Main Gate at Base Kodiak on his way to the airport in his white Dodge truck. However, a small blue SUV, owned by Wells, was captured on security videos passing the Rigger Shop entrance. It was later determined that Wells had swapped vehicles, driving his wife’s blue Honda CR-V to COMMSTA to commit the murders.
Unexplained Discrepancy and Nail in Tire
During the investigation, it was discovered that there was a 34-minute period for which Wells could not account. Additionally, a tire with a nail in it was seized and examined. The examination revealed that the nail had been manually inserted into the tire, undermining Wells’ alibi that he had picked up a nail while driving to work on the morning of the murders.
Judge’s Findings
Wells’ Threats and False Testimony
During Wells’ sentencing hearing after the retrial, U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason made specific findings that Wells had threatened or unlawfully interfered with witnesses. The judge also noted that Wells had testified in a “materially false manner” on several occasions during the trial.
Ninth Circuit’s Credibility Findings
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found that Wells’ alibi at trial was not credible, affirming the credibility findings made by the trial jury. The court’s ruling supports the conclusion that Wells’ attempts to explain his actions on the day of the murders were quickly rejected.
Partners and Prosecution
Agencies Involved
The successful prosecution of this case involved several agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), and the Alaska State Troopers (AST). These agencies worked together to conduct a thorough investigation and gather the evidence necessary to convict Wells.
Prosecution Team
In 2019, the case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Steven Skrocki, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Sherman, and U.S. Coast Guard Commander Kelly Stevens, who was appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.
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Contact Information
For more information on this case or other matters related to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, please contact:
Main Office Address: 222 West 7th Avenue, Room 253, #9 Anchorage, Alaska 99513
Contact Details:
- Telephone: 907-271-5071
- Fax Line: 907-271-3224
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In conclusion, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has solidly affirmed James Wells’ murder convictions for the April 2012 murders of two U.S. Coast Guard employees. The court’s ruling brings closure to the families of the victims, the community of Kodiak, and the United States Coast Guard. The successful prosecution of this case highlights the dedication and collaboration of multiple law enforcement agencies. The court’s decision serves as a reminder that justice will be served for those who commit heinous and heartless crimes.