Michael Pulliam Murder Charge: 72-Year-Old Houston, Alaska Man Accused of Fatally Shooting Devin Blawat, 43, During Camper Gathering
HOUSTON, Alaska (KTUU) — A 72-year-old Houston, Alaska man is facing a second-degree murder charge after authorities say he shot and killed a 43-year-old Big Lake man during a gathering at his property Monday night, then fired several more rounds toward other people at the scene.
Michael Pulliam was arrested and booked into the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, one count of third-degree assault, and one count of fourth-degree assault. The victim has been identified as Devin Blawat, 43, of Big Lake, Alaska.
The Southcentral Major Crimes Unit is handling the case, and Alaska State Troopers say the investigation is ongoing. Next of kin have been notified.
How the Shooting Unfolded
According to a charging affidavit filed by Alaska State Troopers, the events that led to Blawat’s death began earlier on Monday evening at a nearby residence.
Pulliam, who was described as heavily intoxicated, encountered Blawat along with two other individuals — Stephanie Flanders and Timothy Jensen — around a neighboring residence. Pulliam invited the group back to his trailer for barbecue ribs.
Witnesses told investigators that once the group arrived at Pulliam’s property, his mood soured quickly. He repeatedly told Flanders she was “the devil,” that she was “worthless,” and that she should die, according to the affidavit.
Jensen told investigators he heard Flanders yell out in pain after Pulliam squeezed her hand.
Despite the outbursts, the group continued with the evening’s activities, with Blawat grilling and others tending a fire, according to the affidavit.
The Fatal Shots
Flanders had briefly left the gathering to retrieve firewood when Jensen told investigators he heard a single gunshot and saw Blawat fall. Moments later, four to five more rapid shots rang out, which Jensen said he believed were aimed at him. He ran from the property, shouting for others to stay away because Pulliam had shot Blawat, the affidavit states.
Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a shooting in the area of West King John Drive at about 9:08 p.m. Monday.
Arriving officers found bystanders already holding down Michael Pulliam, who witnesses identified as the shooter. Troopers wrote that Pulliam was visibly intoxicated and had trouble walking on his own.
Devin Blawat was found unresponsive at the scene. A woman was performing CPR on him when troopers arrived; they took over the effort, but Blawat did not show signs of life and was pronounced dead.
Neighbor Intervention
A neighbor went toward the property despite warnings to stay back and found Pulliam sitting on the steps of his camper holding a handgun. According to the affidavit, Pulliam told the neighbor, “I shot him, I shot him,” and confirmed Blawat was the person he had shot.
The neighbor took the gun from Pulliam after Pulliam briefly raised it, then secured it. The neighbor then restrained Pulliam and checked on Blawat, who had a faint pulse and briefly gripped the neighbor’s hand before losing consciousness, according to the affidavit.
Shifting Statements and Intoxication
Investigators wrote that Pulliam’s statements at the scene shifted repeatedly between admission and confusion. He said “he better be dead” and “that [expletive] better be dead,” then moments later asked, “Did I do that? Did I shoot him? Who shot him?”
After troopers read Pulliam his Miranda rights, he told them he hadn’t seen Blawat in years before that night and claimed Blawat “started this” and had hurt him, though he could not elaborate, according to the affidavit. He also said he’d been threatened but could not say by whom.
In a later interview at the Mat-Su West Trooper Post, Pulliam told investigators he had been drinking Long Island iced teas and vodka, and said he did not remember exactly what happened, according to the affidavit. He told investigators at different points that he had shot Blawat because Blawat “always messes with knives,” then said he didn’t know what had happened to him.
Investigators noted Pulliam’s statements were erratic and inconsistent throughout the interview. When asked whether his intoxication played a role in the shooting, he said no.
Investigators also documented fresh cuts on Pulliam’s hands, which he suggested may have happened when Blawat “possibly cut his hands with the knives he often played with,” the affidavit states.
Prior Incident and Warning Signs
Another witness told investigators that Pulliam had repeatedly yelled “bark” before the shots were fired — something the witness said was a known behavior of Pulliam’s when he was drunk and looking to become violent.
That same witness told investigators that about a month earlier, Pulliam had raised the same firearm at him during a separate dispute. The witness said he never reported that incident to troopers because he didn’t have a phone at the time.
Evidence Recovered
Troopers say three .40-caliber shell casings were recovered near the entrance to Pulliam’s RV. A Glock 23 semi-automatic handgun believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered at the scene.
Charges Filed
Michael Pulliam was arrested on the following charges:
Charge Description
Second-degree murder Intentional killing without premeditation
Manslaughter Unlawful killing without malice
Third-degree assault Assault causing fear of imminent serious injury
Fourth-degree assault Reckless assault
He was booked into Mat-Su Pretrial Facility.
Investigation Status
The Southcentral Major Crimes Unit is handling the case. Alaska State Troopers say the investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time. Next of kin have been notified.
Key Individuals Named in This Case
· Michael Pulliam — 72-year-old suspect from Houston, Alaska
· Devin Blawat — 43-year-old victim from Big Lake, Alaska
· Stephanie Flanders — witness and gathering attendee
· Timothy Jensen — witness and gathering attendee
Location Details
The shooting occurred in the area of West King John Drive in Houston, Alaska. Houston is a small community in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, approximately 60 miles north of Anchorage. The Mat-Su West Trooper Post is handling the initial investigation, with the Southcentral Major Crimes Unit leading the case.
What We Know
· Michael Pulliam, 72, of Houston, Alaska, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Devin Blawat, 43, of Big Lake
· The shooting occurred Monday night at approximately 9:08 p.m. on West King John Drive
· Pulliam was allegedly intoxicated and had invited Blawat and two others to his camper for barbecue before his mood turned violent
· Witnesses say Pulliam verbally attacked Stephanie Flanders before shooting Blawat
· Pulliam fired additional rounds toward Timothy Jensen, who fled the scene
· A neighbor disarmed and restrained Pulliam until troopers arrived
· Three .40-caliber shell casings and a Glock 23 handgun were recovered
· Pulliam faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, third-degree assault, and fourth-degree assault
· The Southcentral Major Crimes Unit is investigating
What We Don’t Know
· The specific motive for the shooting
· Whether Pulliam has prior criminal convictions
· The exact timeline between the first and subsequent shots
· Whether additional charges may be filed
· The status of the other individuals present at the gathering
Community Impact
The shooting has shocked the small Mat-Su Borough community of Houston, Alaska, a town of roughly 2,000 residents located along the Parks Highway. The case highlights ongoing concerns about alcohol-related violence in rural Alaska communities.
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse or domestic violence, resources are available:
· Alaska State Troopers: 907-352-5401
· National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
· SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
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