Psychiatric Nurse Allegedly Killed ‘Charismatic’ Landlord, Police Find Chilling Recording on Phone: ‘Help Me’

A traveling psychiatric nurse in Alaska has reportedly admitted to killing her landlord, who was found dead in his home last week.

Police say 78-year-old John “Skip” Dove Jr. was discovered on Tuesday, Aug. 5, in his Soldotna home with multiple stab wounds. Officers had been called to the house after a 911 call, according to KTUU, the Anchorage Daily News, and local radio station KDLL.

Authorities arrested 31-year-old LaShaunda Lewis in connection with the killing. She had been renting a room in Dove’s home for about three months.

Court documents say that the day before Dove’s body was found, police visited the home for a welfare check. Lewis’ family had called them after a strange phone conversation with her. When police arrived, Lewis told them she thought she needed a psychiatric evaluation, but refused to go.

The next day, troopers returned after another 911 call. They found Lewis naked and bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. She was taken to a hospital. Inside the home, police found Dove’s body on the floor.

Investigators say Lewis admitted to killing Dove but said she couldn’t remember many details. She told police there had been a “struggle” before the stabbing. A video on Dove’s phone reportedly captured Lewis whispering “help me” and “he tried to kill me.”

Dove, a Vietnam War veteran, was described by loved ones as warm and friendly. His brother, Peter Dove, said, “He could attract a crowd… it’s a gift from God.” Friend Chuck Winters added, “He could talk to anyone. He never met a stranger.” Dove’s wife died in 2023.

Lewis has been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. Court records do not yet show a plea or attorney information.