Man who committed suicide suspect in two murders

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- A man who committed suicide as state troopers closed in was a suspect in two murders, authorities said Tuesday.

Jimmy Tofson, 27, of Anchorage, committed suicide Sunday after encountering troopers as he tried to leave his room at the Westmark Inn in Fairbanks.

Troopers were at the hotel to question Tofson about the murder of 34-year-old Michael Carr, who was found shot inside his car July 1 in Wasilla. A witness told police a man stopped his vehicle in front of Carrs, got out of his vehicle and shot Carr.

Troopers in Fairbanks were led to Tofson Sunday after receiving a tip that a possible murder suspect was staying at the Westmark Inn. Troopers were evacuating rooms when Tofson saw them and shot himself once in the head.

During the investigation into Tofson's suicide, police found out he had been driving a 1994 white Pontiac whose owner was reported missing in Anchorage on Friday. On Sunday, the body of Elizabeth Arthur, 35, of Anchorage, was found south of Fairbanks. She had been shot twice.

Police are continuing their investigation and ask anyone with information to call Alaska State Troopers at 1-800-478-9333.