From lawsuit filed by Stephen Welch’s parents: Stephen Welch, age fourteen, lived with his mother in Waco, Texas. While visiting his father and stepmother in Fairbanks on August 18, 1986, he was sexually assaulted and shot to death by Patrick Harrington.
A search began for Stephen when he failed to return to his father’s house on August 18. His body was found on August 23, following a massive search. Harrington was arrested on August 29, and indicted by a grand jury on charges of first degree murder and first degree sexual assault on September 9.
Initially Harrington pleaded not guilty as charged, but on February 5, 1987, he changed his plea to guilty of first degree murder in exchange for dismissal of the first degree sexual assault charge. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison on April 30, 1987.
State of Alaska v. James Welch & Linda Kay Smith
Transcript: Lockup – Inside Alaska
Movies/Documentaries
Lockup: Inside Spring Creek Alaska
INMATE INFORMATION
Offender Name: HARRINGTON, PATRICK
Custody Status: In Custody
Age: 52
Location: Goose Creek Correctional Center
Race: White
Contact Facility: Alaska Department of Corrections
