Joshua Wade Sentenced to Life in Prison for the Murders of Mindy Schloss and Della Brown

ANCHORAGE, AK—United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today, February 17, 2010, that Joshua Alan Wade, 29, pled guilty and was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage for the 2007, carjacking and murder of Anchorage resident Mindy Schloss.

Pursuant to a plea agreement entered in to by the United States, the State of Alaska and Wade, Wade was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline to life in prison, to be served consecutively to a 99-year sentence imposed this morning by State of Alaska Superior Court Judge Phillip Volland.

As part of the plea agreements in both courts, Wade admitted to the 2000, murder of Anchorage resident Della Brown as well as the murder of Mindy Schloss.

The pleas and sentencings guarantee that Wade will never be released from prison. Pursuant to the federal plea agreement, Wade is to serve his 99-year sentence in the custody of the Alaska Department of Corrections. However, in the event that he is released from state custody at any time for any reason, he would serve out the remainder of his life in federal custody.

Karen Loeffler stated, “While nothing can replace the violent loss of two of our Alaska citizens, I believe justice is well served by this result. I am very proud of the dedication and efforts of the local, state and federal team that worked tirelessly to bring Mr. Wade to justice. As a result of their work, the public will be protected from Mr. Wade forever, and hopefully, this sentencing will bring some closure and comfort to the grieving families and friends of Mindy Schloss and Della Brown.”

Ms. Loeffler praised the investigative efforts of the Anchorage Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the coordinated effort of state and federal prosecutors that resulted in this plea and sentencing.