When a Suspect Thinks he Got Away With a Horrific Crime | Police Interrogation

On a seemingly ordinary day in Minneapolis, a chilling story began to unfold—a story that would expose the dark underbelly of trust, betrayal, and ultimately, murder. The day was April 8, 2017, and the focus was on a young woman named Stephanie Pavlons, who vanished without a trace. As her loved ones worried, the man who should have been searching for her, her boyfriend Matthew Paul, was instead weaving a web of deception that would eventually lead to his downfall.

A Life Together

Matthew and Stephanie had been together for nearly two decades, sharing a life that included a child and a home. Their relationship, however, was not without its struggles. As Stephanie began to show signs of distress and emotional turmoil, the cracks in their partnership deepened. On the day she disappeared, surveillance footage captured Stephanie leaving their apartment with a black purse and a large pink water bottle. Shortly after, Matthew was seen returning to the apartment alone, carrying Stephanie’s water bottle but leaving her behind.

Days turned into weeks, and the worry from Stephanie’s family escalated into panic. They reached out repeatedly, but Matthew remained distant, offering no assistance or urgency in the search for Stephanie. The question loomed: if he wasn’t searching for her, what did he already know?

The Discovery

Weeks later, a 911 call would change everything. “We found a dead body in the woods,” a caller reported, leading authorities to Stephanie’s remains. The detectives, aware of the sensitive nature of the case, made a strategic decision not to inform Matthew that her body had been found during their initial interrogation. This choice would turn the conversation into a psychological trap, allowing investigators to observe how a man who believed he had escaped the consequences of his actions would behave.

When detectives brought Matthew in for questioning, he was calm but guarded. He quickly began negotiating the terms of the conversation, insisting he had nothing to hide. “I know I didn’t do anything wrong,” he stated, attempting to assert control over the narrative. But the detectives were not there to play games; they were there to uncover the truth.

The Interrogation Begins

As the interrogation unfolded, Matthew’s demeanor shifted between defensiveness and attempts to portray himself as a concerned partner. He spoke about Stephanie’s struggles with mental health, painting a picture of a troubled woman who had a history of disappearing. “I tried everything I could for her,” he insisted, detailing her past attempts at seeking help and the medications she had taken.

However, as the detectives pressed for specifics about the last time he saw her, Matthew’s narrative began to unravel. He struggled to recall details, claiming to have seen her weeks ago, but his answers were vague and inconsistent. “I have a bad feeling,” he said, trying to align himself with the detectives as a worried partner rather than a suspect.

The detectives, however, were not swayed by his emotional appeals. They focused on the facts, asking him to recount the timeline of events leading up to Stephanie’s disappearance. Each time they pressed for clarity, Matthew deflected, steering the conversation back to Stephanie’s mental health and their complicated relationship.

The Crumbling Narrative

Matthew’s attempts to control the narrative became increasingly transparent. He brought up a note he claimed to have found in Stephanie’s purse, suggesting it was a cry for help. But when pressed about the contents of the note, he faltered, unable to provide a clear answer. “I left it there because I have nothing to hide,” he insisted, but his nervousness betrayed him.

As the detectives continued to challenge his story, Matthew grew more anxious. He began to sense that the walls were closing in around him. “If you’re trying to accuse me of something, just charge me,” he demanded, revealing his fear of being implicated in Stephanie’s disappearance. The detectives maintained their calm demeanor, focusing on gathering information rather than engaging in his defensive posturing.

The turning point came when they presented him with surveillance footage from the day Stephanie disappeared. The video showed her leaving with her belongings and Matthew returning later without her. The evidence was damning, and Matthew’s façade began to crack.

The Arrest

Eventually, the detectives had enough evidence to confront Matthew directly. They made it clear that they believed he was involved in Stephanie’s disappearance. Faced with the mounting evidence, Matthew’s bravado crumbled. He realized that the truth was no longer hidden, and the detectives were not going to let him manipulate the narrative any longer.

Matthew was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse. The evidence against him was overwhelming, and as the investigation continued, more details about Stephanie’s life and their relationship emerged.

The Aftermath

As the case progressed, the public became captivated by the tragic story of Stephanie Pavlons. News outlets covered the investigation extensively, revealing the complexities of their relationship and the warning signs that had been overlooked. Friends and family members shared their memories of Stephanie, painting a picture of a vibrant young woman whose life was cut short too soon.

Matthew’s trial began in late October 2025, and the prosecution presented a compelling case against him. They highlighted his inconsistent statements, the surveillance footage, and the lack of urgency in his actions following Stephanie’s disappearance. The jury was tasked with determining whether Matthew was guilty of murder or if he had simply been a negligent partner.

On November 4th, 2025, the jury returned a guilty verdict on both counts. Matthew Paul was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional seven and a half years for hiding a corpse. The judge emphasized the need for accountability in cases of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing the signs that often go unnoticed.

A Legacy of Change

The tragic case of Stephanie Pavlons serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of relationships and the importance of vigilance in recognizing signs of distress. Her story has sparked conversations about mental health, domestic violence, and the responsibilities partners have toward one another.

In the wake of the trial, Stephanie’s family established a foundation in her memory, aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and providing resources for those in need. They hope that by sharing Stephanie’s story, they can help others recognize the signs of trouble in their own relationships and encourage them to seek help before it’s too late.

Matthew Paul’s case also highlighted the need for law enforcement to take missing person reports seriously and the importance of thorough investigations in cases of domestic violence. The detectives involved in the case have since advocated for better training and resources to ensure that similar situations are handled with the urgency they deserve.

Conclusion

In the end, the story of Matthew Paul and Stephanie Pavlons is a tragic example of how trust can be manipulated and how the consequences of inaction can lead to devastating outcomes. As we reflect on their story, we must remember the importance of vigilance, communication, and compassion in our relationships. The legacy of Stephanie Pavlons will live on through the efforts of those who seek to prevent similar tragedies in the future, ensuring that her story is not forgotten.