The Fairbanks Police Department is investigating the homicide of a 5-year-old boy. FPD says the Fairbanks Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from a residence of a 10th Avenue apartment who said a child had been harmed around 10 a.m. on Monday.

FPD officers responded to the apartment where they found a young boy deceased. The victim has been identified as five-year-old Robert J. Sarten. FPD says it was clear the boy’s injuries that he was the victim of a homicide.

Authorities spoke to the caller who they say was the only person in the apartment with the victim when officers arrived. The investigation is ongoing. At this time, no other information is available.

FPD Chief Ron Dupee made a statement about the murder.

“There is nothing more heartbreaking than the senseless death of an innocent child. We are incredibly saddened at what that poor child went through and will do everything in our power to hold the perpetrator accountable. This case is now our top priority.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Robert Hall at rhall@fairbanks.us or 907-450-6500.