Colorado Man Sentenced to Life for Murdering Air Force Veteran
A man from Colorado has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering an Air Force veteran while driving under the influence. Paul Stephenson, 57, from Castle Rock, was convicted for the death of Lt. Col. Matt Anderson in April. Additionally, he caused injuries to four children in a later incident in August 2024 by crashing his truck into a car while intoxicated.
Stephenson received a life sentence alongside an additional 92 years. According to the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Anderson was stopped at various gas stations with his family after visiting the Douglas County Fair when he was fatally struck. As Anderson’s wife walked to a store, Stephenson drove his Chevrolet Silverado into their vehicle.
In court, Stephenson admitted to consuming a bottle of Fireball whiskey and two beers before getting behind the wheel. His blood alcohol concentration was found to be 2.5 times above the legal limit. This conviction marked his third DUI.
District Attorney George Browkler stated that their office aimed to send a clear message to those who drive while intoxicated in Douglas County. He remarked on the troubling coincidence of delivering justice the day before Independence Day, saying it underscored the loss of a patriotic figure due to reckless behavior, rather than by enemy action.
Browkler recognized Douglas County’s reputation for tough action against drunk driving, noting the area’s seriousness in handling such offenses. Meanwhile, Anderson’s father expressed that the verdict brought a “small closure” to their family and appreciated the efforts of those involved in delivering justice.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Nate Marsh commended the jury’s decision, emphasizing the severity of driving while under the influence. He pointed out that Stephenson demonstrated a startling disregard for human life, leading to an indisputable first-degree murder conviction. In his closing remarks, Marsh noted that the life sentence would ensure Stephenson could no longer harm others.
