ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in two killings after torturing an Alaska Native woman and capturing her violent death in a cellphone video. Brian Steven Smith, a 52-year-old from South Africa, showed no reaction in court as the judge read the jury’s verdict. Smith was arrested after a woman stole his cellphone and discovered gruesome footage from 2019. The woman, who became a key witness during the trial, copied the footage to a memory card and turned it over to the police. Smith later confessed to killing another Alaska Native woman whose body had been misidentified.
The jury found Smith guilty on all 14 charges, including two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Kathleen Henry in 2019 and Veronica Abouchuk, either in 2018 or 2019. He was also convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault. As Alaska does not have the death penalty, Smith will serve a life sentence.
During the trial, graphic videos were shown to the jury, with audio heard in the gallery where witnesses heard Henry gasping for breath before dying. Prosecutors revealed that Smith drove around with Henry’s body in the back of his truck for two days before dumping it on a rural road south of Anchorage. Although the video never shows Smith’s face, his distinctive accent is heard on the tape as he narrates the gruesome events in an Anchorage hotel room.
The victims, Kathleen Henry and Veronica Abouchuk, were both from small villages in western Alaska and had experienced homelessness. Henry’s death was recorded at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in midtown Anchorage, where Smith was registered from September 2 to September 4, 2019. Police discovered images of Henry’s body time-stamped around 1 a.m. on September 4, and the last images on the memory card taken in the early hours of September 6 showed her body in the back of a black pickup truck. Smith’s phone location data confirmed that the images were taken near Rainbow Valley Road, where her body was found several weeks later.
The woman who provided the images to the police, Valerie Casler, had changed her story over the years regarding how she came into possession of the SD memory card. Initially, she claimed to have found the card labeled “Murder at the Midtown Marriott” on the ground, but later stated she stole it from the center console of Smith’s pickup when they were together. Casler confessed to transferring the images and video to the SD card, which she had stolen from a department store.
During an eight-hour police interrogation at the Anchorage airport, Smith confessed to also killing Veronica Abouchuk. Smith had picked her up in Anchorage while his wife was out of town. When Abouchuk refused to take a shower after Smith claimed she smelled, he became upset, retrieved a pistol from the garage, and shot her in the head before dumping her body north of Anchorage.
The implications of this gruesome case are disturbing and raise questions about the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly Alaska Native women and the issue of homelessness. The fact that Smith was able to commit these crimes and elude detection for a significant period highlights the need for improved support networks, resources, and protection for these underserved communities. It also underscores the role technology can play in the investigation and prosecution of such cases, as the cellphone footage and memory card provided crucial evidence.
This case also sheds light on the larger issue of violence against women, which continues to be a pressing concern globally. The video’s chilling narration and Smith’s statement about being a serial killer highlight the twisted mentality of these perpetrators and the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing violence against women.
Furthermore, the story brings attention to the potential dangers faced by sex workers and the risks they encounter while engaging with individuals who may have violent tendencies. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of sex workers through measures such as improved legislation, support systems, and access to resources.
In analyzing the key points of this case, it is imperative to recognize the need for continued efforts in combating violence, supporting marginalized communities, and promoting awareness and education around issues of gender-based violence. It is crucial for society to come together to create an environment where such heinous acts are not only condemned but also prevented.
Looking to the future, it is vital for law enforcement agencies and support organizations to collaborate and develop strategies that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities and vulnerable individuals. These strategies should include enhanced training for law enforcement on cultural sensitivity and understanding, increased funding for victim support services and shelters, and community-led initiatives to combat violence and provide a safe environment for all.
In conclusion, the heartbreaking case of Brian Steven Smith’s brutal crimes against Alaska Native women highlights the urgent need for societal change, increased support for marginalized communities, and a comprehensive approach to addressing violence against women. It serves as a grim reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a safer world for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Upholding justice, raising awareness, and promoting inclusivity and empathy are essential steps in ensuring a brighter and more secure future for everyone.