Reports: Ex-boyfriend allegedly confesses to killing beauty influencer found dead in suitcase in forest

Stefanie Pieper, a 31-year-old Austrian beauty influencer known for her makeup, fashion, and singing content, was reportedly found dead after her body was discovered in a suitcase in a forest in Slovenia. Authorities say this followed an alleged confession from her ex-boyfriend.

Pieper went missing after returning home from a Christmas party on Sunday, November 23, according to the Styrian State Police. Her ex-boyfriend allegedly admitted to strangling her, placing her body in a suitcase, and burying it in the forest, before leading authorities to the location, as reported by Kronen Zeitung.

After the Christmas party, Pieper reportedly sent a message to a friend saying she had reached home safely, followed by another message suggesting she sensed someone in her stairwell. Neighbors reportedly heard a dispute and allegedly saw her ex-boyfriend in the building, according to People Magazine, citing local outlets including Oe24, 20 Minuten, and Kleine Zeitung.

When relatives and coworkers were unable to reach Pieper and she did not appear at work, a missing person report was filed. Her 31-year-old ex-boyfriend was later apprehended in Slovenia near a burning car. Investigators stated that they had been unable to contact him prior to the arrest.

The Styrian State Police said, "The man is believed to have traveled to Slovenia multiple times in his car. He could not be reached by investigators. On Monday evening, November 24, 2025, Slovenian authorities reported that a car had caught fire in a casino parking lot near the border. This car belonged to the 31-year-old suspect."

After being extradited to Austria, the suspect reportedly agreed to cooperate with authorities during questioning, according to Kronen Zeitung. Additionally, two male relatives of the suspect have been arrested in connection with the case, confirmed the Styrian State Police.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Author: Sophia Brooks