Dateline: Unforgettable: Where Is Renee Pagel’s Killer Michael Pagel Now?

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As a survivor of a bitter divorce and a long-standing custody battle, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for Sarah Pagel and her family. The horrific murder of Renee Pagel, a single mother who had touched so many lives, is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk within the hearts of men.

As a devoted follower, I’m thrilled to share that the chilling story of Renee Pagel’s murder and the trial of Michael Pagel will be featured on Oxygen’s renowned series, Dateline: Unforgettable. The gripping episode, aptly titled “Window of Opportunity,” is set to air on August 8, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET. This captivating tale unfolds with Andrea Canning revisiting her emotional interview with Sarah Pagel, a woman whose mother left an indelible impact on countless lives. Can’t wait to tune in!

For approximately thirteen years, detectives worked diligently to apprehend Renee Pagel’s murderer following her brutal killing in 2006. Michael Pagel, currently incarcerated for a significant term, fatally stabbed Renee over fifty times about a week after losing a custody dispute. The gruesome crime scene was discovered by Renee’s family on August 5 within the bedroom of her Michigan residence. At that moment, she was a single mother of three who was bedridden following a major surgery.

From the very beginning, Michael Pagel was considered a possible culprit in Renee’s murder, but no charges were filed because there wasn’t enough proof. However, in 2019, something unexpected happened: Michael’s brother confessed to the crime he had committed. In 2020, Michael admitted his guilt as well.

Where is Renee Pagel’s killer Michael Pagel now?

Michael Pagel, who took Renee Pagel’s life, is currently serving his time in the Saginaw Correctional Facility, as confirmed by the Michigan Department of Corrections. He was given a sentence of between 25 and 50 years in prison following a plea deal for second-degree murder. Based on prison records, his incarceration started in 2020, and his earliest possible release date is February 5, 2045. His maximum release date, however, extends to February 5, 2070.

In 2006, seven weeks prior to Renee Pagel’s tragic murder, she found herself embroiled in a heated custody dispute with Michael. He aimed to gain custody of their children, shared property, and requested $2000 in monthly alimony from Renee. However, the judge ruled in her favor, and Michael was ordered to pay alimony instead. Just five days before the murder, Renee underwent a surgery to donate a kidney to an individual in need.

Initially, investigators believed that Renee Pagel’s murder was fueled by intense emotions due to the gruesome nature of the crime scene. Upon delving into Renee’s history with her ex-husband, Michael Pagel, they found out about their contentious divorce and lengthy legal disputes. However, Michael declined to engage with law enforcement. Consequently, detectives expanded their investigation beyond Michael, exploring other potential motives. They uncovered strained relationships between Renee and Michael’s brother, Charles, as well. Although Charles had an airtight alibi and his family supported his story, investigators remained suspicious.

Over time, the Renee Pagel murder investigation stalled due to insufficient proof, and it wasn’t until 13 years later that Michael emerged as the suspected killer. In November 2019, a stunning revelation was made by Charles Pagel, Michael’s brother, who confessed to having witnessed his brother get rid of the murder weapon. According to Charles’ account, they were drinking near a river in 2011 when he saw Michael take out a knife from a cloth-wrapped bag. Michael then displayed the murder weapon and said, “This is how I ended my divorce.”

Charles asserted he reacted angrily following Michael’s alleged confession about the murder of Renee Pagel. His outburst prompting Michael to discard a knife in the river, which was later discovered by authorities. They speculated that this weapon bore resemblance to those typically used by Renee’s killer as per forensic experts. The investigation concluded with Michael’s arrest, approximately fourteen years after it began.

According to WOODTV, Michael Pagel admitted guilt for second-degree murder in Renee’s case last May. However, during court proceedings, he claimed that he had hired his brother Charles to carry out the crime instead. Law enforcement officials investigated these allegations but could not find any proof connecting Charles to the crime.

Dateline: Unforgettable’s episode on Renee Pagel’s murder case airs on Oxygen this Thursday.

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2024-08-08 15:43