The murder charges against a Napaskiak woman have been dropped and she was released from custody after evidence surfaced that she acted in self-defense.
Bethel Superior Court Judge Dwayne McConnell has ordered the release of Kayla Jacob, 20, the day before Thanksgiving.
Matthew Beaver, 28, was discovered in November 2014 by a village public safety officer, according to an Alaska State Trooper affidavit.
Beaver was not breathing and had with a puncture wound in his chest, the affidavit said. Jacob was on the floor crying. A large knife was found at the scene.
Jacob admitted to stabbing Beaver and was originally charged with first- and second-degree murder.
Both had been drinking alcohol, troopers said.
