Earlier this month we reported that Bozeman, Montana, authorities were asking for help in locating Megan Ashley Stedman. The 34-year-old woman was last seen December 15, 2023, and had been associated with a 1973 Class A motorhome. Now reports from Idaho Falls, Idaho, show a man has been arrested after confessing that he killed Megan Stedman.
Megan Stedman found three weeks after her death
On Friday, January 12, Bozeman police received word from a witness who said they had spotted the motorhome in the Idaho Falls area. Bozeman Police contacted Idaho Falls authorities, who located the rig and set up a watch over it, while officers from Bozeman drove over. A search warrant was issued in the interim.
When officers approached the motorhome, a man identified as Chris Foiles stepped out of the rig. According to the arrest report, Foiles reportedly told officers, “I am Chris Foiles, I killed me girlfriend, she is in the RV.” A search of the rig revealed a woman’s body. Later, a tattoo was found on the woman’s body that matched one worn by Megan Stedman.
When police interviewed Foiles, he allegedly waived his Miranda rights, and reiterated that the body in the motorhome was Miranda Stedman’s. He told police that he and Stedman parked at an Idaho Falls Walmart on December 22, 2023, and they got in an argument. Foiles told officers, according to the report, that he then stabbed Stedman repeatedly in an attempt to kill her. He allegedly told police he killed Stedman because a no-contact order had been issued and he feared she would report him to police.
“Do not intend to go to trial”
Foiles made his initial court appearance via teleconference. He appeared before Bonneville County, Idaho, Magistrate Judge John Dewey. At one point during a discussion of bond setting, Foiles interrupted the judge. He told the court, “I don’t have an Idaho bond, nor do I intend to go to trial.” The judge ordered Foiles be held without bail, and ordered a public defender be appointed for him.
The local prosecutor, Randy Neal, has made a public appeal that locals refrain from “spreading rumors and theories.” He reminded citizens that such rumors could prejudice the case, possibly leading to a venue change, “which denies our community the opportunity to sit in judgment of this case.”
Foiles’ next scheduled appearance is January 26 for a preliminary hearing. If convicted of the charges he could face life in prison, and potentially the death penalty.
Megan Steadman GoFundMe
Megan Stedman’s family has established a GoFundme page to help with funeral expenses, and to care for her two children. The family writes, “Our Sister, Megan Stedman was taken from us tragically. This is a very difficult time. Several people have wanted to help so we decided to open a go fund me page. Every bit counts and is appreciated.”
##RVT1141b
Thank you, Russ and Tina! So tragic! So, instead of serving “short” (?) sentence and/or paying a fine for violating the “no contact” order, he kills her and likely spends “life” in prison OR is executed?!? That is rather illogical thinking, or, more likely, thoughtlessly reacting. So sad for her AND her children. 🙁
He’s all ready confessed, take him out back of the courthouse and shoot him one joint at a time until he’s a crumpled up mass on the ground.
To bad for him he didn’t do it in California where it now seems, and is precedent setting, that you can stab someone 118 times while high on strong weed and get 2 years probation.
“Your honor, that last hit I took was whoaaa, I mean wicked dude, gnarly buzz, and I’m sorry he is dead but it’s not my fault that the pot we were hittin on was so strong”.