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Stephen Paschall Found Guilty of First Degree Murder for the Kidnapping and Death of Larry Phillips

Albuquerque, NM – This morning a jury found Stephen Paschall guilty of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Stephen Paschall could face life in prison plus 42 years. 

On March 1, 2018 Stephen Paschall and co-defendant Kevin Geier drugged and kidnapped Larry Phillips. The group drove Larry to Lost Horizon off of I-40 where Stephen executed Larry seven times at point-blank range. Several days later utility employees, who were inspecting their facilities in the Lost Horizon location, found Larry’s body. The premise of the murder surrounded money and drugs but also stemmed around the motive that Stephen Paschall aspired to ascend among the ranks of Albuquerque’s criminal underbelly. 

“Stephen lied to detectives five times,” said Deputy District Attorney Mia Rubin in closing arguments. “Stephen drugged, kidnapped, and murdered Larry. Stephen and his crew took Larry’s phone, took his shoes, hid his firearm and conspired to commit this murder.”

“I want to thank Larry Phillip’s family for being present during the trial and remaining strong for Larry, while brutal evidence was presented,” said Bernalillo County District Attorney Raul Torrez. “The individuals linked to this crime were in a drug ring that lured Larry to a location where they had the intention of drugging him to the point of overdose. When that didn’t work the group took him out to a deserted area where Mr. Paschall executed him. The life of Larry was too short. We hope this verdict brings some peace and closure to his family and friends.”