Colorado Man Sentenced to Life for Murdering Air Force Veteran While Driving Drunk

A man from Colorado has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the first-degree murder of an Air Force veteran, following a drunk driving incident last year. Paul Stephenson, aged 57 and residing in Castle Rock, was convicted in April after he caused a fatal crash that resulted in the death of USAF Lt. Col. Matt Anderson and injuries to his four children. The incident occurred in August 2024 when Anderson stopped at a 7-Eleven gas station after visiting the Douglas County Fair with his family.

While Anderson's wife went into the store, Stephenson recklessly drove his Chevrolet Silverado into their vehicle. In court, he confessed to consuming a bottle of Fireball whiskey along with two beers prior to driving and his blood alcohol concentration was reported to be 2.5 times above the legal limit. This conviction marked Stephenson's third DUI offense, leading to a sentence of life in prison plus an additional 92 years.

The prosecutor, District Attorney George Brauchler, emphasized that the murder charge was intended to serve as a warning to other drunk drivers in Douglas County. Brauchler noted the tragic timing of the verdict, given that it came just a day before Independence Day, reflecting on the loss of a patriot due to the irresponsible actions of another individual. He suggested that the sentence aims to deter future drunk driving incidents by demonstrating the severe consequences of such behavior. The community, particularly in Douglas County, is known for its strict stance on drunk driving offenses.

Anderson's father expressed that the verdict provided the family with "a small amount of closure" and extended gratitude to the various authorities involved in the legal proceedings. Senior Deputy District Attorney Nate Marsh praised the jury's verdict, highlighting the seriousness with which drunk driving is treated. He stated that the defendant's actions revealed a blatant disregard for human life, affirming that the life sentence would ensure he cannot harm anyone else.