Oklahoma woman discovers husband was a Canadian man who faked his death nearly 40 years earlier: ‘I was dumbfounded’

Ronald Stan, the man she thought was her husband Jeff Walton, was indeed alive and well, living a double life. Proctor was in shock.

The news shattered her reality. She had built a life with Jeff Walton, a man she thought she knew and loved. But now, she was faced with the harsh truth that he was someone completely different.

As the investigation unfolded, Proctor learned more about the man she had been living with for years. Ronald Stan had disappeared decades ago, leaving behind a wife and children in Canada. His disappearance had been a mystery for years, with no closure for his family.

But now, the truth had come to light. Stan had been living in Oklahoma under a new identity, Jeff Walton, for years. He had created a new life for himself, deceiving everyone around him, including Proctor.

The revelation left Proctor reeling. She had trusted Walton, believed in their life together, only to realize it was all a lie. The man she thought she knew was a stranger, a fugitive living under a false name.

As she grappled with the truth, Proctor found herself questioning everything. How could she have been so blind? How could she have missed the signs that something was amiss?

But amidst the shock and betrayal, Proctor also found strength. She knew she had to rebuild her life, to move forward from the deception that had been uncovered. With the support of her family and friends, she began the process of healing and moving on.

The story of Deb Proctor and Ronald Stan, now known as Jeff Walton, is a tale of deception and betrayal. It is a reminder that sometimes, the people closest to us may not be who they appear to be. But it is also a story of resilience and courage, of a woman who found the strength to face the truth and rebuild her life.

As Proctor shared her story on the ABC true crime series “Betrayal: Secrets & Lies,” she hoped to inspire others to trust their instincts, to question the things that don’t add up, and to find the courage to confront the truth, no matter how painful it may be. Stan’s disappearance and faked death left his wife, Proctor, and their two children in shock and disbelief. Proctor, devastated by the betrayal, decided to stay with a friend and filed for divorce immediately. She realized that the man she thought she knew was nothing but an illusion, and their entire relationship was built on lies.

Despite the emotional turmoil, Stan, now identified as Walton, continued to reach out to Proctor through calls and text messages. His aggressive behavior and threats made Proctor fear for her safety and that of her children. She remembered the signs of his past violence, such as the burned-down house in Canada, and worried that he might be planning something similar for their home.

As time passed, Stan’s attempts to contact Proctor ceased, and she never heard from him again. In 2019, his son reached out to inform her of his father’s death. Proctor, now focused on supporting victims of domestic violence in her community, found solace in the love and companionship of her new husband, Richard.

Reflecting on her experience, Proctor emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s instincts and not ignoring red flags in a relationship. She warns others to be cautious of pathological liars who may deceive and manipulate their way into people’s lives. Proctor’s story serves as a reminder to always seek the truth and prioritize one’s safety and well-being above all else.

Today, Proctor continues to advocate for victims of domestic violence while enjoying a fulfilling and loving relationship with her new husband. Her journey from betrayal to empowerment is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of genuine love and support.