Austrian beauty influencer Stefanie Pieper’s disappearance began like a worrying mystery. It then turned into one of the most disturbing crime stories to emerge from Europe this year. What started as a routine return home after a party ended in a cross-border investigation, a burning car, and the discovery of her body hidden in a suitcase deep inside a Slovenian forest. The brutality of the case has stunned her followers, family, and the wider influencer community.
Who Was Stefanie Pieper
Stefanie Pieper was a well-known 31-year-old beauty and lifestyle creator from Graz. She shared makeup tutorials, fashion tips, and music, and was also building her presence as a singer-songwriter. Her warm personality and her posts with her dog made her popular online.
She studied law earlier but grew passionate about creating digital content, which gradually became her full-time career. Friends described her as “creative, kind, and full of ideas.”
How Stefanie Pieper Died
Investigators believe Pieper was strangled to death inside her apartment building shortly after she returned from a Christmas party. She had texted a friend saying she reached home safely, but minutes later she sent another message saying she feared “someone was in the stairwell.” That was the last time anyone heard from her.
Her killer placed her body in a suitcase, drove across the Austria–Slovenia border, and buried the suitcase in a remote forest area. Her remains were found nearly a week after she went missing.
Stefanie Pieper’s Car Fire
A breakthrough in the case came when Slovenian police discovered a car on fire in a casino parking lot near the border. The vehicle belonged to Pieper’s ex-boyfriend. Investigators believe he set the car on fire to destroy evidence, including traces of Pieper’s body being transported. The suspicious vehicle fire led authorities straight to him, triggering his arrest.
Stefanie Pieper’s Last Instagram Activity
Before her disappearance, Pieper remained active on Instagram, posting makeup looks, music recordings, and moments with her dog. Her tone remained cheerful and creative, not indicating the danger she would soon face. Her followers now revisit those posts, remembering her as a vibrant creator who loved her craft.
Who Killed Stefanie Pieper?
Police confirmed that her ex-boyfriend carried out the killing. The investigation continues to examine whether others assisted in hiding evidence.
Stefanie Pieper Mother
According to multiple media reports, her mother’s name is Csilla Legenstein.
Stefanie Pieper’s Ex-Boyfriend and His Confession
The 31-year-old ex-boyfriend , Peter M, was arrested near the burning car. During interrogation, he confessed to killing Pieper, placing her inside a suitcase, and burying her body. He later guided authorities to the exact forest location. Two of his relatives were also detained for allegedly helping him cover up the crime.
