Love and Justice: How a Sweatshirt Alibi Cleared a Utah Man in the Murder of His High School Sweetheart

The Setup Murder of Kristil Krug: A Closer Look

The Start of a Disturbing Investigation

On December 14, 2023, Anthony Holland was interrupted while watching television at his home near Salt Lake City, Utah, by law enforcement officials. Initially believing he was going to be arrested for an unknown crime, Holland soon learned that he was connected to a harrowing case. Investigators inquired about Kristil Krug, his first love, whom he had not seen since they broke up in the fall of 2000. Tragically, 43-year-old Kristil Krug had been murdered that morning in her garage in Broomfield, Colorado.

Kristil Krug’s Last Moments

Kristil Krug, a mother of three, had reported receiving threatening communications from a stalker in the weeks leading up to her death. She suspected that Holland was the sender of these threats. Law enforcement, upon investigating her murder shortly after it occurred, reached out to Utah officials to locate Holland, who lived approximately 500 miles away from the crime scene.

Alibi Established

Upon questioning, Holland presented irrefutable proof of his whereabouts around the time of the murder. At 12:16 p.m. that day, he was shopping at a local department store, purchasing a sweatshirt, and he provided a time-stamped receipt to support his claim. This evidence cleared him of suspicion rapidly.

A Spiritual Connection

In an interview with “48 Hours,” Holland expressed a belief that Kristil’s spirit played a pivotal role in helping to establish his alibi. He described an overwhelming urge that compelled him to buy a new sweatshirt that day, suggesting that either Kristil or his late mother guided him in that decision. “It was just like go to the store. Go to the store. So, I went,” Holland recounted.

Arrest of Dan Krug

Just two days following Kristil’s murder, her husband, Dan Krug, was arrested and charged with stalking and murder. The tragic events surrounding Kristil’s death and the subsequent investigation are featured in “The Setup Murder of Kristil Krug,” a segment of “48 Hours” that aired on November 29, 2025.

A Symbol of Juststart

Holland retains the green sweatshirt from the day of Kristil’s murder, viewing it as more than just an article of clothing; it symbolizes juststart for the woman he once loved. The unfolding story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities behind personal relationships and the subsequent legal battles stemming from a tragic event.

For further insights into this case, viewers can catch the full report on “48 Hours,” showcasing the twists and turns of this heartbreaking narrative.

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