Marina
A Kansas woman has been handed a 293-month prison sentence (just over 24 years) after being convicted of murder in the second degree for killing her husband, a U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Riley.
The case has drawn national interest, given the military connection, the presence of minors in the home during the crime, and the details revealed during the trial. Below is a detailed account of what is known so far, including critical facts, legal outcomes, and lingering questions.
Case Overview & Timeline
Crime and Conviction
- In February 2024, at the couple’s home on the Fort Riley military installation, Margaret E. Shafe (age 31) fatally shot her husband, Greg Shafe.
- A federal jury ultimately found her guilty of murder in the second degree on February 14, 2025.
- On September 26, 2025, she was sentenced to 293 months in federal prison (which amounts to about 24 years and 5 months).
Key Evidence & Witnesses
- During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Shafe shot her husband in the face while their two minor daughters were present in the home.
- One of the more dramatic moments occurred when Shafe’s daughter testified that she witnessed her mother shoot her stepfather in a moment of rage.
- Investigators from the FBI, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, and Fort Riley Fire & Emergency Services all participated in the case.
- Prosecutors in the case included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Walton and Lindsey Debenham, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham.
Additional Context
- At the time of the crime, Greg had been scheduled for deployment to Poland on February 19, 2024, but delayed to stay home due to newborn care issues.
- Court records also reveal an audio recording on Greg’s phone in which Margaret allegedly expressed that she “hated him and hoped he would die.”
- After the shooting, Margaret reportedly left base gates with her two children in her vehicle, then reentered the base. Law enforcement also found she may have been drinking at the time of the crime.
Facts & Figures at a Glance
| Category | Detail / Value |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Margaret E. Shafe, age 31 |
| Victim | Greg Shafe, U.S. Army soldier |
| Location | Home on Fort Riley military base, Kansas |
| Crime Date | February 2024 |
| Conviction Date | February 14, 2025 |
| Charge | Murder in the second degree |
| Sentence | 293 months (≈ 24 years, 5 months) |
| Witnesses | Two minor daughters (present during shooting) |
| Key Proofs | Daughter’s testimony, phone recording, forensic evidence |
| Investigating Agencies | FBI, Army CID, Fort Riley Fire & Emergency |
| Prosecutors | Sara Walton, Lindsey Debenham, Robin Graham |
Legal & Emotional Implications
Legal Observations
- While second degree murder does not require premeditation, the evidence suggests a deliberate act in extremely emotional circumstances.
- The sentence of 293 months indicates the judge and jurors treated the offense with high severity, given the presence of children and the nature of the act.
- Because this occurred on a military installation, federal jurisdiction applied, and the U.S. Department of Justice oversaw prosecution.
Human & Societal Impact
- The case is horrifying not only for the loss of life but for the presence of young children as witnesses to the violence.
- It underscores domestic violence issues within military or base communities, where unique pressures—deployments, relocations, isolation—can exacerbate conflicts.
- The victim’s role as a servicemember adds to public interest, as families of soldiers often draw attention to justice and support concerns.
The sentencing of Margaret E. Shafe to 293 months in prison marks the culmination of a tragic and high-profile case of domestic violence turned fatal. The murder of Greg Shafe, a U.S. Army soldier, in front of his children, within a military home, sets this case apart in its emotional and legal weight.
While justice has been served in court, the trauma for the surviving children and the broader military community will likely endure.
The case may also prompt renewed focus on supporting vulnerable families stationed on bases and improving domestic violence prevention efforts.
