Colorado Man Accused of Impersonating Wife's Ex-Boyfriend to Stalk and Murder Her

Daniel Krug faces trial on charges of stalking and murdering his wife, Kristil Krug, by impersonating her ex-boyfriend, revealing a complex case of deception and domestic unrest.

Broomfield, CO- The trial of 44-year-old Daniel Krug began on April 4 in connection with the December 2023 murder of his wife, Kristil Krug. Prosecutors allege that Krug not only stalked Kristil by impersonating her ex-boyfriend but also fatally attacked her in the garage of their suburban Denver home. He is charged with first-degree murder, stalking, and criminal impersonation.

According to opening statements, Krug carefully planned the attack after months of manipulation. Prosecutors argued that he posed as Kristil’s former boyfriend from 20 years ago and sent disturbing emails and text messages, some of which criticized Daniel and others that appeared threatening. Messages included statements like “I’ll get rid of him, and then we can be together” and “You don’t want him; I know you want me.” These messages were traced back to Krug’s workplace IP address.

On December 14, 2023, Kristil was found dead in the garage with multiple injuries, including blunt-force trauma wounds and a stab wound to the chest. Her husband had contacted police for a wellness check after claiming she was not responding to messages. When police arrived, they discovered her unconscious and bleeding. Officers attempted CPR, but she was later pronounced dead.

At the time of her death, Kristil and Daniel were reportedly planning a divorce, and Kristil had previously contacted police in October 2023, believing her ex-boyfriend was stalking her. Investigators later confirmed that the ex-boyfriend lived in Utah at the time of the messages and provided an alibi for the days in question. Surveillance photos sent to Kristil also appeared to have been taken by someone with access to her home or schedule.

Evidence presented in court indicated that Kristil had installed surveillance cameras in the house out of fear. On the day of her murder, all three cameras had stopped recording. One had been covered with tape, which reportedly contained unknown DNA. Daniel Krug was the only other person with access to those systems.

Anthony Holland, the ex-boyfriend, testified that he had not communicated with Kristil in years and was stunned when detectives contacted him. He provided evidence that he had been with family in Idaho and Utah when the threatening messages were sent. Holland was cleared of any involvement.

Daniel’s defense attorney, Joe Morales, told the jury there was no forensic evidence directly tying Krug to the murder. No blood was found on his clothes or in his vehicle. Additionally, the defense criticized the police investigation, suggesting it was flawed and failed to analyze Kristil’s phone or other critical evidence properly.

Body camera footage shown in court captured the emotional scene as Daniel arrived home while officers were still performing CPR. Witnesses described him sobbing and collapsing on the curb, displaying signs of distress. Prosecutors argue this was a performance intended to mask his guilt.

Kristel was a mother of three, a biochemical engineer, and a woman described by her loved ones as intelligent, kind, and deeply committed to her children. Her obituary noted that she had a passion for the performing arts and had “so much left to contribute before being so savagely removed.”

The trial will continue over the coming weeks, with more witnesses from the defense and prosecution scheduled to testify. Jurors will be asked to consider whether the lack of direct physical evidence outweighs the overwhelming digital and circumstantial evidence that prosecutors say ties Daniel Krug to his wife’s murder.

The community remains shaken as the courtroom battle unfolds. Both the Krug family and Kristil’s loved ones are calling for a fair trial and justice for a woman whose life was taken far too soon.