A Wisconsin man, Matthew Pahl, 57, was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse in connection with the death of Stephanie Pavlons. Prosecutors alleged that Pahl killed Pavlons, his long-time girlfriend, after she decided to break up with him in 2022. The couple had been together for over 20 years and shared a child. The sentencing for Pahl is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 11. The tragic and senseless murder of Stephanie Pavlons saw swift justice, with the jury taking just over an hour to reach a verdict, according to Waukesha County District Attorney Lesli Boese.
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Pahl was accused of strangling Pavlons with her own purse strap before hiding her body in the woods. The severely decomposed state of Pavlons’ body made it difficult for investigators to ascertain the exact cause of death. Prosecutor Kristi Gordon asserted that Pahl was a violent and abusive partner who couldn’t bear the idea of Pavlons leaving him. Pavlons was last seen on surveillance footage leaving her apartment with a black purse and a pink water bottle, followed shortly by Pahl.
A construction worker discovered Pavlons’ remains in a wooded area in September 2022. The prosecution presented evidence including surveillance footage showing Pahl with items belonging to Pavlons after she disappeared. Notably, Pavlons’ daily planner contained entries detailing instances of physical abuse at the hands of Pahl. Photos on Pavlons’ phone from 2021 also depicted injuries consistent with abuse. Pahl claimed to investigators that Pavlons had been threatening suicide, shifting blame away from himself.
Despite the absence of DNA evidence, a cause of death, or eyewitnesses, prosecutors built a circumstantial case against Pahl. They highlighted suspicious behaviours, such as Pahl deleting numerous messages and both his and Pavlons’ cellphones pinging to the location where she was last seen. Pahl allegedly monitored police scanners and online obituaries, actions that raised red flags for the prosecution. Defense attorney Peter Wolff argued that these behaviours were not indicative of guilt, but the prosecution painted a different picture.
Prosecutors portrayed Pahl as someone trying to cover his tracks, believing himself to be one step ahead of the authorities. They contended that Pahl’s attempts to conceal evidence were not successful, as incriminating details were uncovered. Pahl’s sentencing is set for Tuesday, Nov. 11, marking the culmination of a legal process that sought justice for the heinous crime committed against Stephanie Pavlons. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.