ANCHORAGE, AK – Justice, albeit delayed, came down hard on two Anchorage men Wednesday as they each received the maximum 10-year federal prison sentence for their roles in a brutal 2017 home invasion and armed robbery in Wasilla. Manee Mulifai, 24, and Matthew Adrian Colding, aka “Money,” 24, both previously convicted felons, will spend the next decade behind bars for illegally possessing firearms during the terrifying ordeal.
The chaos unfolded on April 21, 2017, when Alaska State Troopers responded to reports of gunfire at a Wasilla residence. Investigators quickly pieced together a harrowing scene: Colding, posing as someone needing help with a broken-down car, gained access to the home before immediately kicking in the door, brandishing a handgun. Demanding “his shit” and money, Colding escalated the situation, pistol-whipping one occupant, B.W., and threatening to kill another, J.H. A third victim, F.A., attempted to flee but was pursued by both Colding and Mulifai.
What followed was a full-blown shootout inside the home between the two defendants and the residents. Colding took multiple gunshot wounds and collapsed in the front yard. Mulifai continued firing through the front window before making his escape. The investigation revealed a staggering exchange of gunfire: Colding fired four rounds, Mulifai unleashed ten, and B.W. returned fire with ten of his own. The robbers made off with a safe and two firearms.
Authorities quickly zeroed in on the pair. Five days later, Mulifai was found with the stolen firearms during a routine visit with his state probation officer. The investigation also uncovered a disturbing link: both Mulifai and Colding are reportedly associated with the “Fight Squad” street gang. Both men were already prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions – Mulifai for Second Degree Burglary, and Colding for Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Robbery. This didn’t stop them from arming themselves and terrorizing a Wasilla family.
U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced the sentences, a result of a collaborative investigation by the Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Taylor skillfully prosecuted the case. The case is a clear example of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program in action – a data-driven strategy aimed at reducing violent crime by focusing on the most dangerous offenders and investing in community-based prevention and reentry programs.
This sentencing sends a clear message: bringing firearms into a home with the intent to rob and terrorize its occupants will not be tolerated. While a decade in federal prison won’t undo the trauma inflicted on the victims, it removes two dangerous criminals from the streets of Alaska, at least for the foreseeable future. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
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Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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