NAMPA – Nampa police have released new information about a possible suspect in a homicide investigation.
Twenty-six-year-old Akrian Evans was found shot to death in his home on the 4100 block of Garrity Boulevard just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
Detectives are focusing their investigation on a man who was reportedly at the house just prior to Evans being found dead. They now believe the deadly shooting may he connected to the victim's business.
The victim's roommate told investigators she saw a man come to the house as she was leaving asking about the wooden pallets that Evans sold. Police say when she got back a short time later, she found Evans shot to death.
Wooden pallets are stacked in piles all around Akrian Evans' home on Garrity Boulevard. Police now believe those pallets could be the reason he was shot and killed on Saturday night.
They've learned one of his businesses, or ways to make money, is he would buy, sell and trade wooden pallets.
Police say Evans roommate told them a man had come to the house that night asking about the pallets.
"Witnesses indicate someone had arrived there and was inquiring about pallets, whether they were buying, selling, don't know, but as they were leaving he was asking Mr. Evans about those pallets," said Sgt. Joe Ramirez.
We've also learned there was no evidence of a break-in, or that Evans was able to fight back.
"The interior of the home did not appear like there had been any kind of struggle," said Ramirez.
Nampa police still stand by their initial statement that Evans death was not random, but it's unclear whether the suspect and victim knew each other. Now, they're focused on finding the man who they believe could be responsible for the killing.
"As far as we know he was the person who was there with Mr. Evans as the female roommate was leaving to go to another location, and she came back shortly after, so we don't believe someone else had an opportunity to interact with him," said Ramirez.
Nampa police say there is a business group in the Treasure Valley that deals with buying and selling wooden pallets, and they are hoping someone will be able to identify the suspect.
The suspect is described as a white male adult in his late 30s or early 40s, with long wiry dark hair past the shoulders and pulled back into a pony tail. He has a medium build with a "scruffy looking face."
He may buy, sell or trade wooden pallets and was last seen driving a small white pickup truck.
Police are asking for the public's help identifying this man.
Anyone who recognizes the description or believes they know who this person may be, is asked to call the Nampa Police Department at 465-2257 or give anonymous tips at Crime Stoppers at 343-COPS.
