Kind mum stabbed to death inher bed AFTERSELFLESSACT OFCOMPASSION
Renee Pagel was recovering from surgery when she was ambushed in her bed
It didn’t matter whether they were a loved one or a stranger, Renee Pagel would always help anyone who was struggling. It was one of the many reasons why everyone wanted to be friends with the compassionate mum-of-three who was
“out to save the world”.
In 2006, Renee, 41, was working as a nurse practitioner at a local hospital and also taught as a health instructor at an education centre. Before starting a family, Renee had travelled abroad on medical missions, so no one was surprised she had followed a career that called for compassion. It was also what made her an attentive mum to her children – seven-yearold twins (a girl and a boy) and a three-year-old daughter. They were her world.
Renee had split from her husband Michael and was in the middle of a difficult divorce. Michael wanted full custody of their children, which Renee would never agree to. She also told friends he had his sights set on getting their house in Courtland Township, Michigan, and alimony payments from her, too. It had been playing on her mind as it was being argued out in court, and she confided in her loved ones that Michael’s increasing anger was worrying her. The former couple were very different in their personalities. While popular Renee was outgoing and full of wit and conversation, Michael was known to be more reserved.
SELFLESS MUM
Despite everything she had going on, Renee still prioritised others. When she found out the dad of one of her students was suffering from kidney failure and needed a new organ, she offered to donate hers. Renee had lost her mum to the disease and knew how damaging it could be. The man was a virtual stranger, but that was typical of Renee.
In August 2006, Renee donated her kidney, and was resting up at home after a successful operation. But on 5 August, Renee wasn’t answering her phone. A family member went to check on her and stumbled into a horrifying crime scene.
Renee had been brutally stabbed to death in her own bed. She had suffered more than 50 stab wounds to her torso, face and head. Defensive cuts showed Renee had fiercely fought back, but she had been overpowered. The mum had spent her life helping everyone and was recovering from the most selfless act. Who would want her dead?
Everything about the scene suggested it was a targeted attack and was personal. First responders noted there were no signs of a break-in and nothing had been taken, so it wasn’t a burglary. In the house, nothing was out of place in the kitchen or the living room, but there was pure anger in the bedroom. The number of stab wounds were unnecessary, so the “overkill’” showed sheer rage. Someone had it in for Renee. To her loved ones, there was only one person who would’ve wanted her dead: estranged husband, Michael.
One of Renee’s friends told police that she had been scared about what Michael might do to her. Renee had allegedly said if anything happened to her, the authorities should look into Michael, as he would be responsible.
When Michael was told about his estranged wife’s death, police noted
‘Renee died a gruesome, painful, horrifying death’
he didn’t ask many questions about the details of her killing, which was unusual. He offered his alibi by telling them he was at his mother’s house at the time with his children. There was no denying their divorce was contentious, and he was the only person of interest, but there was no evidence at the scene to connect Michael to the stabbing.
Renee’s loved ones were unwavering in the determination to prove his guilt. They put up billboards requesting information and posted fliers through doors. They also set up the website whokilledrenee.com and Facebook page Justice for Renee Pagel. Although they soon found themselves under fire, as Michael complained to authorities.
Michael Pagel insisted his brother helped him to kill Renee but the court rejected this