Austrian beauty influencer Stefanie Pieper, 31, was tragically found dead after authorities discovered her body inside a suitcase in a forest in Slovenia, following an alleged confession from her ex-boyfriend.
According to Fox News, Pieper, known for her social media content covering makeup, fashion, and singing, went missing after returning home from a Christmas party on Sunday, Nov. 23, according to Styrian State Police.
She reportedly messaged a friend after the party to say she had arrived home safely, but shortly after, sent another message indicating she thought someone was in her stairwell.
Neighbors told authorities they heard arguments and allegedly saw Pieper’s ex-boyfriend in the building, according to local reports cited by People Magazine, including Oe24, 20 Minuten, and Kleine Zeitung.
When Pieper failed to show up for work and could not be reached by family and colleagues, she was reported missing.
Authorities said the influencer’s ex-boyfriend, 31, admitted to strangling Pieper, placing her body in a suitcase, and burying it in the forest. He later led police to the location of her remains, according to Kronen Zeitung, a major Austrian newspaper.
The ex-boyfriend was arrested in Slovenia after he was found near his burning car. Styrian State Police said investigators were initially unable to contact him.
“The man is believed to have traveled to Slovenia several times in his car. He could not be contacted by the investigating police,” the statement read. “On Monday evening, November 24, 2025, the Slovenian police reported that a car had caught fire in the parking lot of a casino near the border. This was the 31-year-old man’s car.”
Following his extradition to Austria, the suspect reportedly agreed to cooperate with authorities during questioning. In addition, police confirmed that two male relatives of the suspect have also been arrested in connection with the case.
The shocking death of Pieper has sent ripples through the social media community and beyond, highlighting the dangers of domestic violence even among public figures.
Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her murder and the involvement of her ex-boyfriend’s relatives.
