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Warning: This article contains details of domestic violence and violent death that some readers may find distressing.
New legislation aims to prevent stalking deaths
Oregon has become the first U.S. state to mandate faster responses from tech companies in stalking and domestic violence cases, following the murder of Kristil Krug, a 43-year-old mother of three from Colorado.
The case that sparked change
Krug began receiving threatening messages in autumn 2023 from an unknown sender claiming to be her former boyfriend. Despite filing a police report and obtaining warrants for Google and mobile providers to identify the harasser, weeks passed without a response. Krug lived in constant fear, even carrying a gun for protection.
In December, her attacker ambushed her in her garage after she dropped her children off at school, fatally bludgeoning and stabbing her. A wellness check by her husband later that day led police to discover her body-and expedite the warrants. Within hours, authorities identified the stalker: Krug's husband, Daniel Krug, who was later convicted of murder, stalking, and criminal impersonation.
A family's fight for justice
Krug's family, including her cousin Rebecca Ivanoff-a former domestic violence prosecutor-believed tech companies could have revealed the stalker's identity sooner, potentially saving her life. "She would have been in a place to safety plan, and he never would have had the opportunity to attack her," Ivanoff said.
Motivated by grief and a desire to prevent similar tragedies, the family lobbied for legal reforms to compel faster responses from communication companies in stalking cases.
Kristil's Law: A first in the U.S.
On May 1, Oregon enacted Kristil's Law, requiring social media platforms to respond to law enforcement warrants within 72 hours and communication providers within five days in stalking and domestic violence cases. Previously, no deadlines existed for such requests.
"This at least helps me believe her death wasn't just another meaningless statistic," said Krug's mother, Linda Grimsrud. The family is now advocating for similar laws in Colorado, other states, and federally.
Global implications
Experts say the issue resonates worldwide. Professor Asher Flynn of Australia's Monash University noted that while police can request expedited disclosures in life-threatening cases, the process is discretionary and often reactive. "Cases may only escalate once risk has clearly intensified," she said.
In the UK, criminologist Nicole Westmarland called technology-facilitated abuse a "global public health problem," adding that stalking has "shape-shifted" with digital advancements.
Balancing privacy and safety
Oregon State Representative Kevin Mannix, who sponsored the bill, highlighted the typical six-week delay for warrant processing. "Had companies acted immediately, Kristil might still be alive," he said. After negotiations with tech firms, the law was narrowed to focus solely on stalking and domestic violence cases.
Google and mobile providers contacted for comment did not respond. Google has previously cited high volumes of requests but stated it has a 24/7 team for emergencies.
Krug's mother acknowledged the tension between privacy and safety: "People shouldn't be able to hide behind technology in these cases."
Advocacy and legacy
Meg Garvin of the National Crime Victim Law Institute called the law "a step in the right direction" but expressed frustration that legislation was needed to address the gap. "Corporations should prioritize requests involving risks to persons," she said.
Krug's family continues to advocate for the law's expansion, including in Colorado's 2027 legislative session. Meanwhile, they focus on raising Krug's three children, now aged 11 to 17.
"She would be proud that we're trying to spare other families this suffering," Grimsrud said of her daughter, a biochemical engineer with a sharp wit and protective nature.
