This Haunting Stalking Story Comes With An Important Message For Montanans

This story has stayed with me in a way that’s hard to explain. Maybe because it hits so close to the heart. Back in 2023, weeks before Kristil Krug was found murdered in her Colorado garage, she did what so many of us are told to do- she went to the police. Kristil, a married mom of three, reported threatening texts and emails she believed were coming from a stalker. She even thought she knew who was behind it, her ex-boyfriend.

Except it wasn’t him.

The Truth Pointed Somewhere Unthinkable

When investigators followed that lead, it unraveled fast. In an interview with CBS News, Anthony Holland explained that Kristil had been his first love, but they hadn’t spoken since 2000. He lived hundreds of miles away and had a solid alibi. He wasn’t the monster tormenting her.

The person responsible was the one closest to her. Kristil’s husband. The man she trusted had orchestrated an elaborate, cruel scheme, pretending to be her ex, sending threats, terrorizing his own family for months. Just before Christmas, he killed her.

READ MORE: Over Fifty Years Later, This Montana Mother Is Still Missing

Why This Story Hits So Close to Home

Kristil’s story is back in the spotlight thanks to 48 Hours, and every time it pops up in my feed, my chest tightens. The sadness feels heavy, almost personal.

And that’s because I understand the fear she lived with.

When Fear Becomes A Constant Companion

I’ve dealt with stalking, too. And I can tell you, from the deepest place in my heart, there are few things worse than living in constant fear. Wondering who’s watching. Wondering when the next message will come. Wondering if today is the day it turns physical.

One of my stalkers decided he wanted a relationship with me, even though I made it very clear that wasn’t happening. He hacked into my landline and internet. Every phone call was overheard. Every keystroke logged. He’d sit in his car across the street and watch my shadow move through my own home. I felt like I was being hunted in a place that was supposed to be safe.

Thankfully, authorities listened and stepped in before he could hurt me, but that’s not how it ends for everyone.

The Dangerous Lie We’ve Been Taught About Stalking

Movies and TV love to blur the lines. They frame stalking as passionate or misunderstood, or even funny. I need you to hear this clearly- there is nothing romantic about it. Nothing heroic, nothing edgy.

Stalking is about control, fear, and violation. It’s not just “creepy behavior.” It can include surveillance, intimidation, sabotage, erosion of privacy, and real physical danger. When we downplay it, victims are less likely to be believed and more likely to suffer in silence.

Get our free mobile app

Help Is Here, and You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If you or someone you love is dealing with stalking, I want you to know there are people here who care and will help. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services serves Carbon and Stillwater counties and offers free, confidential support for people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Their services are for everyone, regardless of gender, age, income, or background. If you need help or even just answers, their 24-hour confidential helpline is always available at 406 425 2222.

If you live in Yellowstone County or anywhere else in the state, the Billings Area Family Violence Task Force also has a comprehensive list of trusted resources ready to help you in whatever way you need.

Healing is hard, speaking up is harder, but you don’t have to do either one alone. Not in Montana. Not anywhere.