A man has admitted to killing a woman who was widely loved in her Alaska community, bringing a painful chapter closer to an end after years of uncertainty. The case, which began with a missing person report in 2019, has deeply affected the town of Homer and the victim’s family.
Guilty Plea in 2019 Disappearance and Killing
Kirby Calderwood, 36, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on February 5 in connection with the death of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane. Murnane was 38 years old when she went missing on October 17, 2019.
Under the plea agreement, Calderwood is expected to receive a 99-year prison sentence, with 12 years suspended. He will also face 10 years of probation after serving his time. His sentencing is scheduled for July 1.
A Community Searches for Answers
Murnane was described as a beloved member of the Homer, Alaska community. She lived at an assisted living facility, and when she disappeared, local police, firefighters, and community volunteers joined together to search for her.
Although her disappearance was investigated as a homicide, her remains were never found. For years, her family and the community waited for answers.
How the Investigation Unfolded
Investigators first interviewed Calderwood in 2021. In 2022, authorities received a tip claiming he had kidnapped and killed Murnane and disposed of her remains.
It was later discovered that Calderwood had worked at the assisted living facility where Murnane lived. Shortly after she went missing, he reportedly moved to Utah.
Later in 2022, Calderwood’s wife told police that he had confessed to killing Murnane in the crawlspace of a house belonging to the parents of his girlfriend at the time.
Although no remains were found in that location, investigators recovered evidence containing Murnane’s DNA. When law enforcement searched Calderwood’s home in Utah, they reportedly found a watch belonging to Murnane and a missing person poster featuring her photo.
Arrest and Charges
Calderwood was arrested on May 9, 2022. At the time, he faced several charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Kidnapping
- Tampering with physical evidence
After serving a separate jail sentence in Utah, he was extradited back to Alaska to face charges related to Murnane’s death.
Disturbing Allegations Revealed in Court Documents
Court affidavits revealed troubling details about Calderwood’s past. Two women who were previously involved with him told authorities they had reported sexual violence, including rape, to the U.S. Army.
One of the women reportedly said Calderwood admitted to a pornography addiction and harming animals since childhood.
An affidavit also claimed that while his girlfriend was out of town, Calderwood turned the crawlspace of her parents’ home into a place where he planned to harm someone. Authorities alleged that he drove around looking for a victim.
According to investigators, Murnane agreed to get into Calderwood’s car while she was walking to a doctor’s appointment, as she knew him from the assisted living facility. Authorities say he later forced her into the crawlspace, restrained her, sexually assaulted her, and killed her. Her phone was allegedly thrown into a lake.
Family Speaks Out on Delayed Justice
Murnane’s uncle, Michael Huelsman, shared that many community members attended court hearings to show support for the family and keep attention on the case. He criticised the long delay in bringing the case forward, saying delayed justice feels like denied justice and calling for faster and more thorough investigations in Alaska.
Despite the painful details, Murnane’s stepfather, Ed Berg, said the family is satisfied with the plea deal because it avoids a lengthy trial. He added that the public does not need to hear every detail of the crime.
Murnane’s mother, Sara Conera Murnane Berg, passed away in January 2024. In an obituary she wrote herself, she shared that while cancer or heart disease might be listed as the official cause of death, the true reason was the heartbreak of losing her daughter.
Awaiting Sentencing
Calderwood is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1. While the guilty plea brings a measure of closure, the loss of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane continues to be deeply felt by her loved ones and the Homer community.
The case stands as a reminder of the long and difficult path families often face in seeking justice for those they have lost.
