A Colorado man found guilty of killing an Air Force veteran while intoxicated will now serve a life sentence for first-degree murder.

Paul Stephenson, 57, from Castle Rock, was convicted in April for the death of USAF Lt. Col. Matt Anderson. The incident, which also left Anderson’s four children injured, occurred when Stephenson crashed his truck into their vehicle in August 2024 while under the influence.

Stephenson was sentenced to life in prison plus 92 years.

According to the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Anderson’s family had stopped at a 7-Eleven gas station after attending the Douglas County Fair when the crash happened. Stephenson drove his Chevy Silverado into their vehicle while Anderson’s wife was inside the store.

“It is a bitter coincidence that the day before we celebrate our nation’s independence, we have to confront the loss of one of America’s great Patriots who died… Not at the hands of the enemy… But by the selfish conduct of one of us,” Bruachler said.

“The only appropriate sentence in this case is the one that will prevent things like this from happening again by scaring the hell out of those who would engage in similar behavior.” 

USAF Lt. Col. Matt Anderson with his wife and his children. (23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office)

Brauchler acknowledged that Douglas County is the most aggressive on drunk drivers compared to other jurisdictions in the area.

Anderson’s father said the verdict gives their family “a small amount of closure” and thanked the agencies involved in handing the sentence down.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Nate Marsh commended the jury’s decision and said it reflected how serious it is to drive drunk.

“The defendant cared only about himself and showed a complete disregard for the value of human life. This was murder in the first degree-extreme indifference and the jury agreed. His life sentence will ensure he cannot rip anyone else from their family,” Marsh said.