Mystery and concern are growing in Austria after a popular beauty influencer vanished without a trace shortly after sending chilling messages to a friend about a 'creep' lurking outside her home.
The Night Out and The Ominous Final Message
Stefanie Pieper, a 32-year-old influencer with over 42,000 Instagram followers, had been enjoying a night out in Graz, Austria, attending a Christmas party with a friend. Early on Sunday morning, she sent a message confirming she had arrived home safely via taxi.
However, the situation took a sinister turn in her final communication. In a WhatsApp message to her friend, Pieper wrote that there was a 'creep in the stairwell' outside her flat, describing the individual as a 'dark figure'. This was the last known communication from her.
A No-Show and A Burnt-Out Car
Alarm bells rang on Monday when Stefanie failed to appear for a scheduled photoshoot. A concerned photographer, unable to reach her by phone, went to her address to check on her. There, he was met by her 31-year-old boyfriend, known only as Peter M.
As suspicions about her whereabouts grew, the photographer contacted the police. Officers soon made a critical discovery: they found Stefanie's phone discarded in a nearby bush. Neighbours also reported hearing 'loud noises' coming from her flat on Sunday.
The investigation escalated when Peter was arrested in neighbouring Slovenia while reportedly attempting to cross the border. His red Volkswagen Golf was found completely burnt out near the Mond Casino in Šentilj, just a few miles away. According to reports, Peter could not provide a plausible explanation to police for why his car had been set on fire.
An Expanding Investigation and Emotional Plea
Peter remains in custody in Slovenia, where he was scheduled for an extradition hearing. The case has widened, with the arrests of two other men said to be his brother and stepbrother in connection with Stefanie's disappearance.
Authorities have stated they are investigating 'at full speed' and are keeping an open mind regarding whether Stefanie is alive or dead.
In a heart-wrenching appeal on Facebook, Stefanie's mother, Csilla Legenstein, posted: 'My daughter has been missing since [Sunday] morning. Any helpful information will be financially rewarded. Please help me find my daughter.'
Stefanie is described as around 5ft 9in tall, with shoulder-length dark blonde hair and a slim build. A key identifying feature is a tattoo of her mother’s name, 'Csilla', on her left forearm.
