HOMER, Alaska — A former employee at an assisted living facility has admitted to murdering a woman he once cared for, bringing a tragic resolution to a case that has haunted this coastal community for nearly five years.
Kirby Calderwood, 36, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the death of 38-year-old Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, whose disappearance in October 2019 prompted a massive search effort in the town, located approximately 220 miles from Anchorage. Under a plea agreement, prosecutors dropped eight other charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Murnane, who struggled with bipolar disorder, was last seen leaving her supportive housing complex. When she did not return, police, firefighters, and volunteers launched a thorough search throughout Homer and its surrounding woods, but found little evidence of her whereabouts. The mystery of her disappearance weighed heavily on the community, prompting her family to circulate flyers and continuously seek information from the public.
For years, investigators faced frustrating dead ends until a breakthrough emerged in 2022. An anonymous tipster reported Calderwood as the suspect, providing disturbing details about her abduction, murder, and the disposal of her remains. At the time, Calderwood had moved from Homer to Utah.
Upon learning of the allegations, investigators discovered that Calderwood had confided in his wife about killing Murnane. He claimed he took her life in the crawl space of his then-girlfriend’s residence. Following this information, a search of the property resulted in the recovery of Murnane’s DNA, marking a significant link between Calderwood and the crime.
Further probing by Ogden, Utah, police revealed additional evidence during a search of Calderwood’s home. Officers uncovered a black Timex watch belonging to Murnane, situated alongside a missing-person flyer featuring her photograph. This grim discovery further solidified Calderwood’s connection to Murnane.
Court documents detail that Calderwood allegedly kept the watch as a trophy, an assertion made by both the tipster and members of Murnane’s family. The affidavits also highlight a history of violence in Calderwood’s past relationships, where he faced accusations of sexual and physical abuse. Some incidents reportedly involved claims made to the U.S. Army, but clarity on the military’s subsequent actions is lacking.
The timeline of Murnane’s last hours was pieced together using information from the anonymous source. Authorities believe Calderwood first spotted Murnane while driving, offered her a ride in his blue Subaru, and lured her into an empty house under the guise of seeking a phone charger. Inside, he allegedly assaulted and killed her, disposing of her cellphone in a lake and hiding her remains.
Despite extensive searches, Murnane’s body has not been found. However, the presence of her DNA and personal belongings in Calderwood’s possession was crucial in securing his conviction.
Calderwood’s sentencing is scheduled for July 1. As part of his plea deal, he faces a potential 99 years in prison, with 12 years suspended. While the resolution to this case may bring some closure to Homer residents, it leaves behind an unsettling sense of loss and unanswered questions for those still seeking justice for Murnane.