Second jury deadlocks in Whatcom County murder trial over 2019 campsite killing
A second jury has deadlocked in the trial of Alexander Vanags after three days of deliberation in Whatcom County Superior Court, leading to a mistrial, according to a judicial assistant.
Vanags, 35, of Arlington, killed his friend, 28-year-old Mark Stebakov, on April 13, 2019 while the two were camping at Baker Lake and on psychedelic drugs.
According to prosecutors, Vanags intentionally caused Stebakov’s death when he slashed him at least 14 times with a machete while the two were on LSD. Vanags’ attorneys argued that he acted in self-defense and was therefore not guilty of second-degree murder.
Vanags’ retrial began on March 19 and lasted for about four weeks. Jurors heard from numerous witnesses and saw over 500 exhibits.
Vanags was first tried in 2022, with the trial ending in a hung jury after less than two full days of deliberation. Jury decisions must be unanimous in criminal cases.
This story was originally published April 14, 2025 at 6:11 PM.