Cory Spurlock, 38, of Missoula, Montana, has been sentenced to life in federal prison for his involvement in a 2020 murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the deaths of William Larsen, 35, and Yesenia Arriaga Larsen, 30, near Bridgeport, California. U.S. District Judge Miranda Du handed down the life sentence following Spurlock’s conviction on multiple charges, including murder-for-hire conspiracy, tampering with a witness by killing, stalking resulting in death, and federal firearm and drug trafficking offenses.
Prosecutors detailed that the murders were committed to silence William Larsen, whom Spurlock suspected was cooperating with law enforcement after the disappearance of Jered Stefansky during a marijuana-related cash transaction months earlier. The couple was shot and stabbed to death in November 2020, their bodies discovered along U.S. Highway 395.
Spurlock was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, interference with commerce by robbery, and causing death through the use of a firearm during a violent crime. The sentencing reflects the severity of Spurlock’s crimes and his callous disregard for human life, with federal authorities emphasizing that there is no parole in the federal system, ensuring he will never leave prison.
The conviction followed a four-week trial and involved extensive investigations by the FBI, DEA, ATF, and multiple sheriff’s offices across Nevada and California. The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation aimed at dismantling high-level drug trafficking and violent criminal networks.
This sentence brings justice for the tragic loss of the Larsens and underscores ongoing federal efforts to combat violent crime and drug trafficking.
