Bellingham jury reaches verdict in third trial over 2019 Baker Lake killing
The third trial of an Arlington man accused of murdering his friend at Baker Lake east of Mount Baker in 2019 ended Thursday with a conviction for first-degree manslaughter in Whatcom County Superior Court.
Alexander Vanags, 36, previously appeared before a jury in 2022 and 2025. Both trials ended in a deadlock.
Vanags was charged with second-degree murder for the killing of his friend, 28-year-old Mark Stebakov, with a machete while the two were camping at Baker Lake and on psychedelic drugs. Prosecutors argued that Vanags intentionally caused Stebakov’s death, while Vanags’ attorneys said he acted in self-defense.
In Vanags’ most recent trial, jurors were asked whether Vanags was guilty of second-degree murder. The jury also had the option of finding him guilty of first-degree manslaughter — defined as the reckless killing of another person without intent or premeditation.
Whether Vanags intended to kill Stevakov was at the center of the previous hung juries, according to Senior Deputy Prosecutor Benjamin Pratt. Because of that, he said they added manslaughter as a charge for jurors to consider.
Pratt added that while the state believes Vanags should have been found guilty of second-degree murder, he appreciated the jury “rendering a verdict that can give some finality to everyone involved.”
Defense attorney James Dixon said he was disappointed by the jury’s verdict, especially as two-thirds of jurors in the previous trial believed Vanags was not guilty. He said that a ruling to exclude certain evidence also affected the “landscape” of the trial.
“It’s pretty devastating,” Dixon said.
Family speaks out
Julia Stebakova, Stebakov’s older sister, said her family is relieved to have closure after seven years and thanked prosecutors for the work they’ve done.
“It’s been a long wait for some kind of justice or accountability and closure,” she said. “We feel like we’re one step further.”
Stebakova said that while it’s “not quite over yet,” she and her family are relieved to have a conviction. She said there was hope with each previous trial, and then a downfall and feeling of helplessness afterward when they ended in hung juries.
The family continues to honor Stebakov even now, celebrating his birthday every year with balloons, cake and chicken wings — one of Stebakov’s favorite meals. Stebakova described her brother as someone who loved animals, nature and traveling.
“He was humorous, but at the same time, he could say something deeply philosophical,” Stebakova said. “He was just trying to figure out his life, as most young people will do.”
What comes next in court
Vanags faces a maximum sentence of eight and a half years in prison. A placeholder court date for his sentencing has been set for March 17, though the state is asking for a hearing as soon as possible. Stebakova said she and her family plan to attend the sentencing in person.
Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal ruled that Vanags can remain out of jail on bail until his sentencing, as she does not believe he poses a danger to others or a risk of fleeing.
Pratt said the state will request the maximum sentence, while the defense will ask for below the standard sentencing range due to mitigating factors. The range for first-degree manslaughter begins at six and a half years.
Dixon said the defense is considering filing an appeal following sentencing.
This story was originally published February 19, 2026 at 3:49 PM.