January 24, 2016

Barbara Stager Should Never Be Paroled

Barbara Stager, convicted husband killer and evil bitch

Murder between strangers is despicable enough but imagine the fear and pain of having someone you love and trust betray you in the worst way by taking your life and doing so for nothing more than financial gain.

Russ Stager
Barbara Stager did just this.  Twice.  Although no charges were brought against her for the gunshot death of her first husband Larry Ford in 1978, it's almost certain that Larry did not accidentally shoot himself (in the chest, no less) shortly after Barbara acquired a handgun and life insurance on Larry.  She was charged and convicted for the 1988 death of her second husband, Russ Stager, in which she stood to make a hefty life insurance collection as Russ' beneficiary. 

As looking into Larry's eyes while she killed him probably gave her an unsettled feeling (but no remorse) she changed her M.O. when dispatching Russ.  She claimed that her husband was sleeping with a loaded handgun under his pillow and while trying to remove it while Russ slept, she accidentally shot him in the head.  The story is as ridiculous now as it was back in 1988 - - not only that someone as well versed in guns as Russ Stager would sleep with a loaded handgun under his pillow (discounted by his family and former wife) but that out of everything in that bedroom, including Russ' entire body, that he was "accidentally" shot directly in the back of the head.  In other words, executed.  The trajectory of the bullet also indicated that he was shot from above and behind, in direct contradiction to Barbara's story of the bullet coming from underneath him.

She was convicted and sentenced to death by a North Carolina jury.  The right sentence in my opinion if you support the death penalty.  However, the death sentence was overturned and commuted to life in prison.  I have no doubt that it was only because Barbara is a woman.  If she had been a man that executed his wife for financial gain, the death sentence would have been upheld.

Her attorneys stressed that Barbara was a churchgoing woman, who had so much to still offer the world from her religious knowledge and support to her crafts.  They also stressed what a loving daughter and sister she was and that she was needed to continue being the loving mother of her two sons.  The last statement makes me irate.

Barbara proved herself to be anything but a loving and supportive mother when she obliterated her sons' father.  TWICE.  She killed their biological father, Larry Ford, without a thought or care as to how much emotional damage she would do to them.  She then married Russ Stager, who lovingly adopted Larry's sons and took them as his own.  He loved them, they loved him.  And Barbara cruelly killed Russ as she had Larry; again, with no consideration as to what this might do to her sons. 

She has already lucked out in that her death sentence was overturned.  She was given mercy and life when she gave Larry and Russ neither. 

Larry Ford's final resting place
Barbara had a parole hearing in 2009, in which parole was denied.  She had another hearing in 2012, again denied.  She was scheduled for a hearing in August of 2015 but I cannot find further information on that hearing.  She is still listed as incarcerated so I would guess she was again denied or that hearing was postponed.  I would hope that North Carolina never forgets the irreparable damage she did to the Ford and Stager families, as well as to her own children.  If Barbara Stager, the ultimate actress, who lied to, cheated on and then killed both of her husbands so that she might buy a nicer car, new jewelry and clothing, doesn't deserve to be locked up with the key thrown away, I don't know who does.

UPDATE:  As of April 15, 2020 Barbara remains behind bars at the North Carolina Correctional Institute for Women, where she should be.  Her next scheduled review is August 1, 2020

55 comments:

  1. Hi Bill,

    Barbara certainly did her sons no favors when she killed both their fathers. If nothing else, that proves how cold and uncaring she is. She put them through the pain of losing fathers, twice.

    Hopefully North Carolina never lets her leave their lovely guest quarters unless it's in a pine box.

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    1. I agree. But she should have already been in a pine box. The death penalty conviction shouldn't have been reversed. That 2nd jury were a pack of idiots.

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  2. Her next hearing date is scheduled for February 1, 2017 (so less than 3 months from this comment)

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    1. Hi Anonymous,

      Thank you for the information. I'll be sure to follow up in February.

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    2. I hope she is denied again

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    3. Me too, Susan.

      I don't expect her request for parole to be granted. She was fortunate to escape the death penalty, which she certainly deserved, and there are still many people who knew Russ and Larry.

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  3. Damn! That is one cold hearted church going woman. I actually can understand someone killing out of anger, emotions and all but to kill for cash, cold.

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    1. Sometimes it's the church going folks you need to watch the most, especially if they are very vocal and showy about their church going perhaps they are over compensating for the true evil that lies within.

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    3. evelyn raymond... I think you're right about that, unfortunately.

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  4. What was so heartbreaking was that recording he made before he died where he essentially predicted his own death. He suspected she wanted to do away with him. Horrid woman. If you can call her that, she's not human

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    1. Hi Thyme,

      This is so true. I cannot imagine having been in Russ' shoes, not trusting your spouse and believing she was planning on doing away with you. Ugh.

      Thank goodness he did make the recordings. That helped to convict Barbara.

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  5. Read the book that Jerry Bledsoe wrote about it. Very good and informative as to who she really is. She has a narcissistic personality and her friend mentioned on page 83 could very well be her twin (I know of her) I hope Barbara rots in prison and in hell.

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    1. Hi Vicky,

      I actually became aware of Barbara's story thanks to Jerry Bledsoe's excellent book. Mr. Bledsoe has written several others; all equally good. I'm disappointed that he is apparently no longer writing true crime.

      Thanks for posting!

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  6. My opinion they should have gave her the death penalty because just like his mama said he didn't get a second chance of living why should she. God have mercy on her children. It is 2017 and I'll tell you it's very hard to believe in people and know how people really are but these stories that comes on television who's the point knowing that person is and learning a person before you decide to marry them into me because into three years your butt can be dead and gone up on their hands and they can live your life until their 60 something years old imprisonment instead of dead like they should be

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    1. Hi Felisha,

      Barbara actually did get the death penalty but that conviction was overturned and she was then sentenced to life in prison. A much greater gift than she gave Larry and Russ.

      Thanks for commenting!

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  7. This woman is totally disgusting. I would have had her fried or poisoned to death. To kill someone who you took wedding vows with just to live a more luxurious lifestyle is insanity. She did it twice too. I'd have her looked up till she dies. There was a similar killer named Tracy Frame who did a similar deed to her husband. She got caught too. Thank God for justice.

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    1. Hi,

      I agree with you. Killing a spouse, someone you took vows with, you sleep next to each night, who trusts you - - that's a special kind of deranged.

      Barbara clearly is a narcissist. It's all about her. She may have been bothered somewhat about what she did to Larry Ford but only enough to make sure that when she killed again, she didn't do it face to face. It certainly didn't bother her enough to never do it again.

      I've heard of Tracy Frame. I'll have to check out her story.

      Thanks for posting!

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  8. Not sure if this was meant to be ironic or not but Barbara Stager absolutely should not be released from prison.

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  9. I read the book about this worthless tramp and hated her. Church woman, indeed!! I think most churched frown on double murders. I was disgusted that her two sons were all for her. I hope they have come to their senses, if they have any.

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  10. Hi LodiTX,

    Jerry Bledsoe's book is a thorough, excellent account of Barbara's life and crimes. I highly recommend it.

    Last I had heard, Bryan still lives in North Carolina and has a professional job. I heard that Jason had gotten in trouble with the law as an older teen/young man but I can't verify that. I'm not certain if he is still in North Carolina or elsewhere. I also can't say if both or either son still support their mother.

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  11. As of today, she is still incarcerated.

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    1. Barbara was scheduled to have a parole hearing last month but I cannot find any information as to whether it took place or was rescheduled. North Carolina's prison system page also provides no updates.

      Regardless, it's good news she's still incarcerated by whatever means.

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  12. I personally believe this woman a should be tried for the murder of her first husband Larry Ford. I never want her to see the light of day. A second murder conviction would guarantee any parole ever. Let her rot in hell.

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  13. According to records published, her parole hearing date for 2017 will be the first part of August. There was no hearing within the last few months.

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  14. Thanks for your thoughtful blog! The humanity...and inhumanity...of true crime fascinates me. This woman. Wow. She "looks" so innocent, so home cooking and needlepoint yet is pure evil. To take a beloved coach from so many young people who looked up to him for guidance and assurance during the difficult teen years, as well as taking two fathers away from one's own children is as cold blooded as it gets. And, I agree, had she been a man, she would be on death row. Let's all hope that in August the parole board keeps this creature behind bars. She was blessed to keep breathing but that should be ALL she gets!

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    1. Hi Dottie,

      Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad you are reading and posting.

      I have read lots and lots of true crime over the years and while serial killers are always despicable, family killers like Barbara Stager are almost worse. We should never have to fear that a person we live with, we trust and love, will take our life. Especially out of greed. It's too gross to contemplate.

      I don't foresee Barbara obtaining parole. I think her case is still well known in North Carolina and (sadly) she got away with killing Larry Ford.

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  15. In the book it says that the reason Russ & his 1st wife divorced was that Russ's 1st wife caught him seeing a 16 year old cheerleader who Russ continued to see without the young girl's parents knowledge & that Russ actually wanted to marry the young girl after she turned 18 but when the young girl became of age she broke up with Russ because she thought it was weird an older man would be seeing someone so much younger than himself & she moved away to college leaving Russ heartbroken & that's when he bumped into Barbara & she swooned in. Was this true? The movie certainly doesn't portray Russ as a child molester.

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    1. Yes, Russ and his first wife Jo-Lynn, separated and then eventually divorced in part because Russ was unfaithful. The girl was a former student and she was 18. Russ wanted to marry her but she was young and wanted to go to college and experience more of life.

      It was after she had left for school that Russ met Barbara. He was selling the home he had shared with Jo-Lynn and Barbara turned up to look at it.

      While Russ may not have made the best decision cheating on Jo-Lynn and becoming involved with a teenager (even an 18 year old), that doesn't make him a child molester.

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  16. Replies
    1. A person being murdered by an individual they trust certainly does qualify as an evil act. Seems like the state of North Carolina agrees, at least so far, since Barbara is still incarcerated.

      Thanks for posting, Suzy.

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  17. What I have the most difficulty understanding is how this woman was married, not once, but twice....TWO men thought she was hot enough to screw her and eat her cooking, possibly for years? Gah....even young, she was below average at best, and both her husbands were nice looking guys. The woman to man ratio must have been pretty poor where they lived.

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  18. Did the two sons that Russ Stager adopted before his death,keep his name "Stager" or did they go back to their bio dad's name "Ford". I can't find any information on this. Do you know anything about this Ms.Johnston?

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  19. I live in the house/sleep in the bedroom where Russ was murdered. I did not know this prior to buying the house in 2008, but came to find out from a neighbor a few months after moving in. The fact that someone was murdered where I sleep doesn't bother me... if you go back far enough, I'm sure most houses are built on top of ground that has witnessed it's fair share of atrocities. But, I have been keeping up with her parole hearings in hopes that she is not released. It's a ridiculous notion, but the thought of her returning to the scene is haunting (particularly with 4 small children in the house). Now, on this site I see that she has a hearing in early August (any day now). Hopefully they see through her bullshit as they've done before.

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  20. August 2017
    There is to be a hearing this month on a status change for this dangerous woman:

    Email your objection to this woman receiving Level 3 unsupervised work and weekend release:

    To: Shelia.Mitchell@ncdps.gov
    Barbara Terry Stager -- docket #0386206

    Barbara should never be released without supervision as she is a master manipulator and sociopath.

    She can be quite charming when she sets out to create the illusion of a humble person.

    Life without parole was not available when she was re-sentenced after getting a reprieve because of the jury instructions in North Carolina.

    "Before He Wakes" by Jerry Bledsoe is available on Amazon.com

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  21. Look at the Raleigh News and Observer today for a story on this evil woman who now gets to leave prison for a nice lunch out with a prison approved companion. What in the hell is acceptable about this situation? Up for parole again in February 2018.

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    1. If you want to get even angrier, patpat, read my reply to Anonymous below. Barbara could be leaving the prison up to 3 times a week, in 6 hour jaunts. It's maddening. Totally unacceptable.

      Ironically, I believe her next parole bid is on February 1 - the anniversary of the day she killed Russ.

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  22. I viewed the segment regarding the off prison ground luncheon and it made me sick to my stomach. There are two good men under ground devoured by nature because of that evil persons dastardly deeds.she should be allowed to leave that prison when her victims can enjoy an earthly luncheon.

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  23. Any idea as to who the "prison approved companion" was.

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    1. Hi Anonymous,

      North Carolina's DPS has a program called "Community Leave," in which they attempt to integrate any prisoner eligible for parole into society by taking them outside prison grounds. This includes nice lunches.

      Per their website, the prison approved "sponsor" is a volunteer that has completed training, certification and a 1 month probationary period.

      During the leave for the approved activity, the inmate may not have any contact with relatives. The leave may not exceed six hours. An inmate may have a maximum 3 leaves per week. Female inmates may only have female sponsors; male inmates may only have male sponsors.

      So this means that Barbara could be leaving the prison 3 times a week, to enjoy lunches out and other activities, for up to 6 hours per leave, while Russ and Larry are still in the ground and their families still mourn.

      Sounds fair, huh?

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  24. I can't disagree with that!

    Thanks for posting, topless.

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  25. I just finished the book BEFORE HE WAKES by Jerry Bledsoe. She is indeed an unbalanced woman. Robbing her people at work, lusting after anything in pants. She is not someone you could trust ! If she got out on parole she would surely marry again & then commit murder again. She will have a jolly time with Satan in the hereafter! Can't believe people could support her in any way !

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    1. I think there are still some who feel that women can not possibly be as dangerous as men. Barbara is very good at putting on her sweet, innocent (but I go to church! I knit! I'm a mother!) act and, sadly, some folks fall for it.

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  26. Is anyone familiar with the Netflix documentary called "The Keepers"? Check it out, it'll blow your mind!

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    1. I haven't heard of this documentary, Anon 17, but I will check it out. Thank you!

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  27. This woman lived by the sword so she should die by the sword by rotting in her cell.
    Don't let old age make you feel sorry for this evil manipulative lying bitch
    Just remember those victims whom had no chance to get old
    Keep her in there in her shared cell where they use toilet in view of cellmate.
    How degrading
    Maybe there is a god

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    1. Even if Barbara never stepped another foot wrong in her life, she's killed both her husbands. There has to be punishment for what she's done. It can never be righted but she owes a debt to society for her actions -- regardless of how old she is. (The man arrested as the Golden State Killer earlier this year is a good example of this.)

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  28. I don't think it's fair to characterize all church-going people as cold-hearted, dirty and/or like Barbara. After all, Russ Stager and his family were church-going people and it seems many of Barbara and Russ' neighbors, and likely Barbara and Larry Ford's neighbors, were nice, caring, church-going individuals.

    Barbara may have gone to church, and may continue attending services while incarcerated, but she is most definitely not a good Christian or person. She's a narcissist and completely selfish. Her own needs and wants come before anyone else, whether that be her husband, children, parents, siblings, or friends. She manipulates, lies, and kills in order to get what she wants.

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  29. I think she should be out of prison . She served more than enough jail time. Let the lady live a few years without bars...have a heart,

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    1. I have to respectfully disagree with you. Barbara had life without bars and she killed not just one but two husbands. She took her sons' biological father away and then took their stepfather away. She robbed two families of a son and brother. How do we define how much time is "more than enough?"

      Frankly, she was given a gift when her death sentence was overturned. That's all the mercy or luck or whatever you want to call it she deserves.

      If we're going to have a heart, I think we need to have a heart for Larry Ford, Russ Stager and their families. Not Barbara.

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  30. I am going to quote my favorite TV show here:"if death has no cost,then life has no worth" and "blood must have blood" (The 100/CW network). This concept should be the deepest core value of the justice system in order to honor those who have passed and offer solace to those they leave behind grieving. Anything less is to dishonor the slain.

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  31. This woman is pure evil, her adultery, her lyin, constant deception, fraud, then killing her husbands to hide what she has done, and profit financially.

    The justice system should not be able to overturn punishment determined by a jury who heard the whole case, not reviewed a brief, and some written testimony.

    This woman should have been put to death, failing that...life should mean life for her, she should never be allowed outside prison walls for the rest of her days.

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  32. Has Barbra been paroled? I tried looking her up and it doesn't show her incarceration. This women is a black widow on any day! She doesn't deserve to see the light of day. I pray her sons see the light. This women (and I hate to call her that) make true Christians look bad!

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  33. Do true Christians also believe in murder?

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  34. Hi! I am new to the case and was wondering if anyone knew the house address that Barbara and Larry shared together in Trinity NC? I know it was in the Windemere Heights neighborhood but I couldn't find the number of the house.

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