On a tragic Thanksgiving Day in 2009, Leslie Ann Appleby Davidson, a 50-year-old White/Caucasian female from Fort Benton, Montana, was found dead in her home from a single gunshot wound to the chest. The events of November 26, 2009, would unravel a story of a turbulent and abusive relationship that ended in a devastating act of violence.
Authorities were initially called to the scene regarding an injured person and discovered Leslie's boyfriend, Daniel Paulsrud, outside on all fours with a severe, self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. He was still alive and motioned for the police to go inside the apartment, where they found Leslie's body on the floor. At the scene, Leslie still had her glasses on and her hands in her pockets. The weapon used in the shooting was a. 357 revolver.
The investigation into Leslie's death quickly pointed to Daniel Paulsrud as the perpetrator.
Court records and accounts from friends and family revealed a tumultuous six-year relationship marked by Paulsrud's controlling and physically abusive behavior, which was often exacerbated by heavy drinking. Leslie had attempted to leave him several times, only to reconcile. Friends had reportedly warned Leslie that they feared Paulsrud would one day kill her. In a chilling revelation, it was discovered that Paulsrud had previously threatened to kill Leslie and then himself, a scenario that mirrored the tragic death of her own birth parents.
Initially, Paulsrud claimed the shooting was an accident that occurred while he was playing with the gun. However, the evidence suggested a more deliberate act. A note written by Paulsrud was found on a napkin in his pocket, the same type of napkin found in his car, suggesting he wrote it after shooting Leslie. In the note, he claimed Leslie had contemplated suicide and had asked him to help her end her life.
In August 2010, Daniel Paulsrud was officially charged with deliberate homicide. His trial took place in March 2011, and he was found guilty of deliberate homicide with a dangerous weapon. In May 2011, the then 39-year-old Paulsrud was sentenced to 100 years in prison for the murder and an additional 10 years for the use of a weapon. He is not eligible for parole. Due to the severity of his self-inflicted injuries, Paulsrud was unable to speak during his trial.
