Stephanie Piper’s ex-boyfriend officially charged with murder
23 september 2026 в 10:28
The death of beauty influencer Stephanie Piper in November 2025 left her loved ones and fans in shock, and months after the tragedy, many questions remain. Ten months after her body was discovered in a suitcase, Piper’s ex-boyfriend was officially charged with her murder.
Piper’s ex-boyfriend, known only as Patrick M., was formally charged with murder in September 2026. According to investigators, he strangled and stabbed Piper in her apartment in Austria in November 2025, after which he allegedly placed her body in a suitcase and buried it in a forest near the border with Slovenia. Patrick had previously confessed to the murder but later changed his testimony, admitting only to the act of burying the body.
Patrick was arrested in Šentilj, Slovenia, and extradited to Austria. It is currently unclear whether he has entered a plea or hired a lawyer. His brother and stepfather were also charged with assisting in the movement of the body, but reports suggest that no charges are expected against them.
Stephanie Piper was last seen at a Christmas party on November 23, 2025. After leaving the event in Graz, she contacted friends and expressed concern about a stranger in her building. She was reported missing on November 24 when she did not show up for a scheduled photo shoot.
Austrian police quickly identified Piper’s ex-boyfriend as a suspect. On November 24, a car fire was reported in Slovenia, which belonged to Patrick. He was found in close proximity to the burning vehicle and arrested.
Following his arrest, Patrick reportedly confessed to the murder and indicated where Piper’s body was hidden. Her remains were found on November 29, 2025. On the same day, Austrian police confirmed the detention of two men from his family on suspicion of obstructing justice.
An autopsy confirmed that Piper died from asphyxiation, but serious facial injuries were also found, which could have been sustained from blows or during transport in the suitcase. Investigators do not rule out the possibility that she may have been alive when placed in the suitcase.
Patrick remains in custody in Austria, and his trial is expected to take place soon. If found guilty, he faces a life sentence.
Piper’s ex-boyfriend, known only as Patrick M., was formally charged with murder in September 2026. According to investigators, he strangled and stabbed Piper in her apartment in Austria in November 2025, after which he allegedly placed her body in a suitcase and buried it in a forest near the border with Slovenia. Patrick had previously confessed to the murder but later changed his testimony, admitting only to the act of burying the body.
Patrick was arrested in Šentilj, Slovenia, and extradited to Austria. It is currently unclear whether he has entered a plea or hired a lawyer. His brother and stepfather were also charged with assisting in the movement of the body, but reports suggest that no charges are expected against them.
Stephanie Piper was last seen at a Christmas party on November 23, 2025. After leaving the event in Graz, she contacted friends and expressed concern about a stranger in her building. She was reported missing on November 24 when she did not show up for a scheduled photo shoot.
Austrian police quickly identified Piper’s ex-boyfriend as a suspect. On November 24, a car fire was reported in Slovenia, which belonged to Patrick. He was found in close proximity to the burning vehicle and arrested.
Following his arrest, Patrick reportedly confessed to the murder and indicated where Piper’s body was hidden. Her remains were found on November 29, 2025. On the same day, Austrian police confirmed the detention of two men from his family on suspicion of obstructing justice.
An autopsy confirmed that Piper died from asphyxiation, but serious facial injuries were also found, which could have been sustained from blows or during transport in the suitcase. Investigators do not rule out the possibility that she may have been alive when placed in the suitcase.
Patrick remains in custody in Austria, and his trial is expected to take place soon. If found guilty, he faces a life sentence.
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
