Valerie Casler & Brian Steven Smith: Murder Uncovered by a Stolen Phone

 

How a Stolen Phone Exposed a Killer

In September 2019, Valerie Casler, an Alaska native, unknowingly became the key to uncovering one of the most horrifying murder cases in Anchorage history.

The chain of events began when Casler stole a phone from a man who had previously offered her a ride. Curious, she opened the device—and what she found was shocking beyond belief.

Inside the phone were dozens of photos and videos depicting a woman being tortured, assaulted, and eventually killed. The brutality was deliberate and meticulously recorded, as if the perpetrator wanted a record of his crimes.

Without hesitation, Casler turned the phone over to the police, unwittingly exposing Brian Steven Smith, a seemingly ordinary resident of Anchorage with a hidden, murderous past.

First Victim: Kathleen Jo Henry

Within 48 hours of receiving Casler’s report, police were able to connect Smith to the first victim:

• Name: Kathleen Jo Henry

• Age: 30

• Background: Alaska Native

Kathleen’s body had been discarded near Seward Highway in Anchorage. The videos on Smith’s phone corroborated the crime, showing the precise moments of abuse and murder. The evidence was so explicit that law enforcement quickly identified Smith as the primary suspect.

The video footage revealed methodical cruelty, indicating premeditation and a disturbing fascination with recording the acts. Smith’s calm demeanor in the videos contrasted terrifyingly with the violence he inflicted.

A Second Victim Emerges

During interrogation, Smith made an even more chilling confession. He admitted that Kathleen was not his only victim.

The second victim was identified as:

• Name: Veronica Abouchuk

• Age: 52

• Background: Alaska Native

Smith personally guided authorities to the location where he had discarded Veronica’s body. Forensic evidence at the scene confirmed his confession, leaving no doubt about his guilt.

These revelations painted a grim picture: Smith had actively sought victims, committed brutal murders, and documented his crimes for personal gratification.

Who Was Brian Steven Smith?

Smith’s background seemed ordinary at first glance:

• Born and raised in South Africa

• Immigrated to the United States in 2014 after marrying an American citizen

• Lived quietly in Anchorage, working and blending into the community

Yet behind the façade of normalcy lurked deep-seated violent fantasies. The media later reported that the content on his phone reflected a long-standing obsession with controlling, torturing, and killing women.

Tragically ironic: Smith’s crimes were uncovered just one month after he became a U.S. citizen.

The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

Smith’s arrest sent shockwaves throughout Alaska. The case not only exposed his violent crimes but also underscored how chance events—like the theft of a phone—can reveal horrific truths.

• The police emphasized that without Casler’s intervention, Smith might have continued killing undetected.

• Smith faced multiple counts of murder and charges related to assault, abuse, and evidence tampering.

• The case highlighted the vulnerability of marginalized communities, as both victims were Alaska Native women.

Valerie Casler, unintentionally, became a crucial figure in preventing further tragedy—a reminder of how ordinary actions can have extraordinary consequences.

The Valerie Casler & Brian Steven Smith case is a stark illustration of:

• Hidden dangers behind seemingly ordinary people

• The role of digital evidence in modern criminal investigations

• How one small action—in this case, retrieving a stolen phone—can save lives and bring justice

This tragedy serves as both a warning and a testament to the importance of vigilance and community awareness.