Investigation Discovery’s Evil Lives Here: A Demon on Her Back (Season 16, Episode 8, aired in 2024) revisits the heartbreaking story of Kirsten Russell Lockett, a loving mother whose life was tragically cut short in July 2015. The episode gives a moving account of her life, the events that led up to her death and how her oldest daughter, Kayla Stitely, remembers how hard it was to lose her mother. The shocking case left the Castle Rock, Colorado, community devastated and raised important questions about domestic violence, protective orders, and law enforcement failures. On Spiky TV, we take a closer look at what happened to Kirsten Lockett, how the investigation unfolded, and where Richard Lockett is today.
Who Was Kirsten Russell Lockett?
Kirsten Russell was born in 1979 to Sherry Russell. She grew up in a close-knit family with her brother Kurt and sister Chantel. People who knew her said she was smart, friendly, and caring. She graduated from Columbine High School in 1996 and enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life. She also loved animals and was known for being kind and caring.
Kirsten had two previous marriages before she met Richard Allan Lockett in 2002. She had problems in her personal life, but being a mother was what made her happiest. She had three kids from her first marriage and three more with Richard, so she was a devoted mother of six.
Kirsten had many problems in her marriage to Richard, even though she was a very lively person. Kayla, her daughter, says that Richard was often harsh with the kids and made the house tense. The family had to move a lot because they were having money problems, and over time, the relationship turned abusive. Kirsten finally chose to leave him, but sadly, this made the violence worse.
The Days Leading to the Tragedy
In July 2015, Kirsten was trying to rebuild her life. She had separated from Richard, gained custody of her children, and filed a restraining order against him. However, Richard’s behavior became more dangerous. Just days before the murder, on July 13, 2015, Kirsten reported that Richard had abducted and assaulted her at gunpoint. She managed to escape and immediately filed a complaint, which led to a manhunt for Richard.
Authorities had a good reason to think he was armed and dangerous, but communication problems between agencies kept them from taking stronger steps to protect him. Later records showed that police had been warned about Richard’s threats but didn’t act quickly enough to keep Kirsten safe.
To ensure her safety, Kirsten and her children moved into her brother Kurt’s house in Castle Rock’s Founders Village neighbourhood. For a short time, it seemed like things might calm down. Sadly, that sense of safety did not last long.
The Night of July 18, 2015
On July 18, 2015, tragedy struck. Around 5 a.m., Richard broke into Kurt’s home by smashing the basement window of the room where Kirsten was staying. Her brother quickly dialled 911, reporting the break-in and warning that Kirsten’s life was in danger.
Kirsten managed to get her children out of harm’s way, urging them to run while Richard dragged her into the bathroom and locked the door. By the time police arrived, Kirsten had been fatally stabbed in the neck. The autopsy later confirmed that multiple stab wounds caused her death.
Richard was found at the scene with two self-inflicted wounds to his own neck, indicating a failed suicide attempt. He was arrested immediately.
The Investigation and Protective Order Violation
Detectives quickly figured out that Richard had broken the protective order that had been issued just a few weeks before. That order clearly said he couldn’t go near Kirsten, her kids, or her mother. Investigators also found out that he had a history of stalking and abuse.
There was a lot of proof: broken glass, blood evidence, and the fact that he was at the crime scene. Prosecutors said he committed first-degree murder, kidnapping, burglary, stalking, and breaking a protection order.
Richard Lockett’s Trial and Conviction
Initially, in January 2016, Richard pleaded not guilty. His defence team suggested he pursue an insanity plea, claiming he was struggling with mental health issues and suicidal tendencies at the time. The case was set to go to trial in 2017.
However, on January 31, 2017, Richard changed his plea to guilty of first-degree murder. By doing so, he avoided a lengthy trial and was sentenced the same day to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
During sentencing, Richard apologized to his family and said, “I pled guilty because it was the right thing to do. I’m sorry.” He admitted his role in Kirsten’s death but later gave conflicting accounts, suggesting Kirsten may have stabbed herself—claims that experts and prosecutors firmly dismissed as false.
Where is Richard Lockett now?
Richard Allan Lockett is currently serving his life sentence at the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility in Ordway, Colorado. There he will spend the rest of his life, as he was sentenced without possibility of parole.
Though he tried to deflect responsibility in subsequent interviews, court documents and forensic evidence leave no doubt that Kirsten’s death was a homicide perpetrated by Richard.
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