In Denver, a Colorado man received a life sentence without parole on Friday for the murder of his wife, following a string of disturbing acts which included stalking her under the guise of her former boyfriend. The woman’s father described these actions as “pure selfish evil,” lamenting the loss of parental figures for the couple’s three children.
The sentencing followed a jury verdict that found Daniel Krug, 44, guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Kristil Krug shortly before Christmas in 2023. Alongside murder, he faced charges of criminal impersonation and stalking, acts that inflicted fear on his family.
In the wake of these tragic events, Kristil Krug’s children are now in the care of her brother and sister-in-law, supported by their wider family network, including her father, Lars Grimsrud. Expressing the depth of their wound, Grimsrud addressed Judge Priscilla Loew, emphasizing how the family’s dynamics have been irreparably altered.
Prosecutors elucidated that as Daniel Krug’s marriage to Kristil deteriorated, he adopted a manipulative strategy to win her back by creating a false narrative of being her protector from a nonexistent threat. This involved sending increasingly menacing messages under the pretense of her ex-boyfriend, instilling fear to bring them together against the contrived threat.
Recognizing that his manipulations could lead to criminal charges, Daniel Krug sought to eliminate his wife, according to the prosecution. He waited for her on December 14, 2023, and after she returned from dropping off their children at school, he attacked her at their suburban Denver residence, knocking her out before delivering a fatal stab to her heart.
Investigations unveiled that the genuine ex-boyfriend was residing in Utah, an eight-hour drive from the crime scene at that time, negating his involvement. Meanwhile, Daniel Krug’s defense underscored the absence of physical evidence and DNA linking him to the murder, highlighting the lack of blood traces on his vehicle or clothes.
Kristil Krug, a biochemical engineer with a passion for dance, was remembered by family and friends as a “fiercely smart” and creative individual. Her cousin, Becky Ivanoff, articulated the immense sorrow, condemning Daniel Krug for creating a vast void in the hearts of all who loved Kristil.
In addition to his life sentence, Judge Loew, upon prosecutors’ request, categorized Daniel Krug’s acts as domestic violence, adding a further 9½ years for stalking and impersonation convictions. District Attorney Brian Mason declared that the crimes stemmed from a need for control, citing Krug’s actions as egregious examples of depravity.
Daniel Krug opted to remain silent at his sentencing, leaving elder brother Jeremy Krug as the sole family member to speak in his defense. Jeremy expressed the family’s initial hope for someone else’s culpability, only realizing the extent of the evidence during the trial. He expressed sympathy for the children, affirming his love for his brother and seeking divine forgiveness for his actions.