The latest season of Netflix’s Worst Ex Ever has stunned true crime viewers, with one story drawing particular disbelief: a man who later appeared on TLC’s 90 Day Fiancé shortly after being accused of a serious violent offence.
Geoffrey Paschel featured in season four of the reality dating show, which began airing in February 2020. The series followed him as he pursued a rapid-fire relationship with Russian cast member Varya Malina.
However, only months earlier, the 48-year-old had been arrested following an alleged attack involving his former fiancée, Kristen Wilson. The case ultimately led to Paschel being sentenced to 18 years in prison for multiple offences, which are outlined in episode two of Worst Ex Ever.
When the case went to trial, it took jurors two days to reach a verdict in October 2021—around 18 months after he appeared on 90 Day Fiancé. Throughout the proceedings, Paschel was notably backed by Malina, his on-screen partner from the TLC series.
Malina also attended the sentencing, where the judge ordered that Paschel serve 18 years with no possibility of parole after he was convicted of aggravated kidnapping, domestic assault, and interference with emergency communication.
The Netflix episode revisits the events behind the charges, explaining that Wilson, an elementary school teacher, initially connected with Paschel through a dating app and found him charming in the early stages.
Over time, Wilson learned he had a record involving violence and allegations of abuse from previous partners. The documentary reports that Paschel insisted those accounts were overstated, persuading her to doubt what she’d uncovered.
Not long after, the situation escalated. The programme describes how Paschel’s behaviour turned violent toward Wilson, culminating in a 2019 incident that prompted police to respond to reports of a domestic disturbance at their home.
The Knox County District Attorney’s office stated that Paschel ‘grabbed the victim by the neck and slammed her head against the wall several times’, an assault that left Wilson drifting in and out of consciousness.
Prosecutors said he then removed her access to her phone and prevented her from leaving. Despite her condition, Wilson reportedly waited until he fell asleep, escaped to a nearby home, and called 911.
Responding officers documented visible injuries, including a large bruise on her forehead, abrasions to her lip, numerous bruises on her back and arms, and a concussion.
During the trial, Paschel argued the injuries were self-inflicted. Jurors rejected that claim and found him guilty on the charges.
Paschel remains incarcerated in Tennessee and is not expected to be eligible for release until 2040. Despite the convictions, Malina has continued to publicly support him, including staying at his home and sharing supportive messages online.
Her last Instagram post, which has since been made private, was shared in late 2025 and read: “Happy birthday. Even though we can’t celebrate together today, my heart is with you every moment.”