Brian Christiansen has been found guilty of the second-degree murder of his ex-wife, Alma Christiansen, a jury decided after reviewing the case. The decision, delivered on a grim canvas of domestic tragedy, included additional findings that Christiansen not only used a firearm to cause death but also that his actions were premeditated, exploiting a position of trust, according to court documents released by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
On May 7, 2023, the Sacramento Police Department was alerted to the Christiansen residence following a phone call from Brian Christiansen himself. He reported that, during a physical altercation at his home, he shot his ex-wife multiple times which led to her death. Responding officers discovered the victim in the backyard of the property, confirming the fatal incident. Christiansen, subsequently confronted by law enforcement, admitted he fired the shots that killed his unarmed ex-wife, as per the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
Deputy District Attorney Katherine Martin from the Homicide Unit led the prosecution’s efforts to secure the conviction. The consequences for Christiansen, following the jury’s verdict, are severe—he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life in prison. Sentencing, expected to mark the final chapter of this tragic case, is scheduled for January 23, 2026, before the Honorable Benjamin Galloway of Department 26, as stated by the District Attorney’s Office. Christiansen will remain in custody until then
