Authorities apprehended the ex-boyfriend of influencer Stefanie Pieper after her body was discovered stuffed in a suitcase and buried in a wooded area. The suspect, identified as Patrick M., was found in Pieper’s apartment following her disappearance, prompting a swift investigation into her tragic fate.
Pieper, a well-known social media personality, was last seen returning home from a Christmas party on December 9, 2023. After getting out of a taxi with a friend, she went silent, raising alarm when she failed to show up for a scheduled photoshoot. Concerned for her safety, her photographer visited her apartment and subsequently contacted the police when he could not find her. Officers later located her phone discarded in nearby bushes.
During a routine investigation at Pieper’s apartment, police discovered Patrick M. along with her Golden Retriever, Marlow. He claimed to have entered the apartment solely to look after the dog, stating, “I don’t know where Stefanie is,” before leaving in his red Volkswagen Golf. His presence at the scene, however, raised suspicions among investigators.
Witnesses reported seeing Patrick M. carrying a suspicious roll of fabric around the time of Pieper’s disappearance. It is alleged that he ambushed her following a loud argument after the Christmas party, leading to her death. Following the incident, he fled to his home country of Slovenia but was apprehended and extradited back to Austria.
Investigators worked tirelessly to piece together Pieper’s final moments, utilizing drones and sniffer dogs to search for clues. Several properties owned by Patrick’s family were also searched as part of the investigation. The situation escalated when, after days of interrogation, he began to provide information about the events that transpired.
Pieper had communicated with friends on the night of her disappearance, expressing concerns about a “creep” lurking in her stairwell. She described the figure as a “dark figure,” indicating she felt threatened. Police believe this context is crucial to understanding the circumstances leading to her tragic death.
Eventually, Pieper’s body was located in a forest near the town of Majsperk, Slovenia. Investigators suspect that Patrick M. used his vehicle to transport her body across the border, attempting to destroy evidence of his involvement by later abandoning the car in a burnt-out condition in a nearby parking lot.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence. The community has expressed shock and sadness over the loss of Stefanie Pieper, who had garnered a significant following for her vibrant online presence.
