American Homicide: S1E29 – The Mountain Man Murders, Part 2

Release Date: May 8, 2025
Host: Sloan Glass
Produced by iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Introduction

In the gripping second part of "The Mountain Man Murders", host Sloan Glass delves deeper into the mysterious and controversial case of Paul Stavignord, a reclusive Alaskan man accused of murdering his neighbors, Rick Beery and Debbie Rehor. Set against the rugged wilderness of Chulitna, Alaska, this episode unpacks the complexities of isolation, suspicion, and the quest for justice in a remote community.

Background of the Case

Chulitna, Alaska, a designated wilderness area miles away from the nearest road, was home to the secluded couple, Rick Beery and Debbie Rehor. On Memorial Day weekend in 1997, both were brutally murdered near their cabin. The tranquility of the wilderness was shattered by this double homicide, a rare and shocking event in such a remote setting.

The Suspect: Paul Stavignord

Paul Stavignord, a 46-year-old year-round resident of Chulitna, became the prime suspect. Known for his off-the-grid lifestyle, bushy beard, and round wire-rimmed glasses, Paul led a peaceful, spiritual life, engaged in artwork and flute playing. However, his past told a different story:

• Criminal History: Paul struggled with drug addiction, was expelled from high school, and had multiple arrests, including a notorious 1971 bank robbery in Anchorage where he and accomplices stole $150,000 using a Marlin rifle—a detail that would later prove pivotal in his trial.

• Lifestyle Changes: After serving four years for the bank robbery, Paul attempted to reform, marrying a waitress, having two children, and embracing a mountain man lifestyle. Despite these changes, lingering suspicions existed between him and his neighbors.

Investigation and Rising Suspicion

The discovery of Rick and Debbie's bodies and subsequent evidence raised suspicions against Paul:

• Evidence: Debbie was found with a gunshot wound to the head, and evidence suggested postmortem intercourse, including semen that matched Paul's DNA (found at [17:36]).

• Alibi and Flight: Initially, Paul claimed he was in Fairbanks during the murders, providing names of restaurants he visited. However, lacking receipts and with no witnesses corroborating his story, his alibi fell apart, prompting him to flee into the wilderness ([07:54]).

The Manhunt and Capture

Paul's disappearance ignited a massive manhunt, with troopers deploying significant resources to track him down. A local woman described the intense search as making the area feel like a war zone, with helicopters constantly overhead ([08:09]).

After four weeks on the run, Paul surrendered voluntarily ([08:32]). Upon turning himself in, he hired a lawyer and insisted his flight was due to unrelated past experiences with law enforcement, highlighting his distrust of authorities ([08:49]).

The Trial

Opening Statements

The trial, presided over by Judge Eric Smith, was marked by emotional testimonies and conflicting narratives:

• Prosecution's Stance: They portrayed Paul as a dangerous individual capable of committing cold-blooded murders, emphasizing DNA evidence linking him to the crime ([17:12], [17:36]).

• Defense's Strategy: Paul's defense admitted he shot Rick Beery but argued it was in self-defense, denying any involvement in Debbie's death. They introduced a complex relationship narrative, suggesting consensual activity between Paul and Debbie ([17:51], [19:05]).

Key Evidence and Testimonies

• DNA Evidence: Essential in tying Paul to the crime, the DNA found on Debbie was a cornerstone of the prosecution's case ([17:36]).

• Character Witnesses: The defense brought forth witnesses portraying Paul as a peaceful and spiritual individual, contrasting sharply with testimonies of Rick Beery's aggressive nature ([18:35], [19:05]).

• The Flute Incident: A pivotal moment occurred when Paul's lawyer requested permission for him to play the flute in court to underscore his serene character. While not heard by the jury, it deeply affected court dynamics, leading to emotional responses from the victims' families ([28:37]).

Notable Quotes

• Judge Eric Smith ([03:44]): "Murders in cities and towns, you know, they happen all the time. But a double murder in the middle of the wilderness is unique. It's different."

• Keith Beja ([16:22]): "He went on the run pretty quickly when it became obvious that he was the focus of their investigation."

• Paul Stavignord ([20:31]): "He believed that I was going to be killed."

Verdict and Sentencing

After deliberating for three days, the jury delivered a unanimous verdict:

• Conviction: Paul Stavignord was found guilty of first-degree murder for both Rick Beery and Debbie Rehor ([31:15]).

• Sentencing: Judge Smith sentenced Paul to 99 years for each count, ensuring he would never be free again ([31:47]).

Paul's Allocution ([31:23]): "You have convicted an innocent man."

Appeals and Aftermath

The case took a dramatic turn post-conviction when Paul alleged his defense team had coerced him into fabricating his story, particularly concerning the murder weapon used:

• Rifle Revelation: Paul claimed he used a Marlin rifle, not the Jennings pistol the prosecution had focused on. A diagram he provided led authorities to the recovery of the rifle, casting doubt on the initial testimony ([33:09], [35:13]).

• Motion for New Trial: Despite these revelations, Judge Smith denied Paul's motion, citing competent legal representation and reaffirming the original verdict ([36:31]).

• Continued Advocacy: Paul's friend, Keith Beja, and author Robin Barefield continue to argue his innocence, labeling the conviction a "travesty of justice" ([33:09], [37:22]).

Conclusions and Reflections

The Mountain Man Murders case remains a contentious and emotionally charged subject within the Alaskan community. Questions linger about Paul Stavignord's true nature—was he a "cold blooded murderer" or a misunderstood man driven to desperation? The discovery of the rifle and the subsequent denial of a new trial leave the episode open-ended, inviting listeners to ponder the complexities of justice in isolated settings.

Final Thoughts by Judge Eric Smith ([37:53]): "Paul Stavignard is probably what people think of when they think of a loner living in the Alaska wilderness. I think it was a case of Paul Stavanjord probably spending too much time in the wilderness with his own thoughts. And I think it was just a matter of him snapping."

Sloan Glass sets the stage for the next episode by teasing another story of a loner who terrorized an Alaskan town, ensuring that listeners remain engaged in the unfolding saga of enigmatic crimes in America's vast wilderness.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Judge Eric Smith: "Murders in cities and towns, you know, they happen all the time. But a double murder in the middle of the wilderness is unique. It's different." ([03:44])

• Keith Beja: "He went on the run pretty quickly when it became obvious that he was the focus of their investigation." ([16:22])

• Paul Stavignord: "You have convicted an innocent man." ([31:23])

• Judge Eric Smith: "Paul Stavignard is probably what people think of when they think of a loner living in the Alaska wilderness. I think it was a case of Paul Stavanjord probably spending too much time in the wilderness with his own thoughts. And I think it was just a matter of him snapping." ([37:53])

Conclusion

American Homicide continues to captivate listeners with its in-depth exploration of perplexing murder cases across America. In "The Mountain Man Murders, Part 2," Sloan Glass masterfully navigates the intricate details and emotional turmoil of Paul Stavignord's trial, leaving audiences eager for more revelations in the next episode centered on Michael Silka.

For more information or to share your thoughts on this episode, contact the American Homicide team at us@AmericanHomicidePodmail.com.

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