The ex-boyfriend of influencer Stefanie Pieper has been arrested following the discovery of her body, which was found stuffed in a suitcase and buried in the woods near Majsperk, Slovenia. The body was located after an extensive search that began when Pieper went missing on December 16, 2023, after leaving a Christmas party.
Police initiated their investigation after Pieper failed to attend a scheduled photoshoot. Concerned for her well-being, the photographer went to her apartment to check on her. He subsequently contacted law enforcement when he could not locate her. During their investigation, officers discovered her phone discarded in a nearby bush, raising further alarm.
The investigation intensified when police found Patrick M., Pieper’s ex-boyfriend, inside her apartment. He claimed to have entered only to care for Pieper’s dog, a Golden Retriever named Marlow, and insisted he did not know her whereabouts. He left the apartment in his red Volkswagen Golf, prompting investigators to suspect his involvement in her disappearance.
Witnesses reported seeing Patrick with a suspicious roll of fabric on the night of Pieper’s disappearance, indicating he may have been attempting to conceal evidence. After initially fleeing to his home country of Slovenia, he was arrested and extradited back to Austria. Following hours of interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the crime, alleging that he had an argument with Pieper that escalated to violence.
On the night of her disappearance, Pieper had communicated with friends about a “creep” lurking in her stairwell, describing the figure as dark and unsettling. This message, along with the subsequent discovery of her body, has raised serious concerns about her safety leading up to the tragic event.
Police efforts included the use of drones and sniffer dogs to search for Pieper, as well as checking several properties linked to Patrick’s family. The investigation revealed that he allegedly transported her body across the border into Slovenia, where it was ultimately found in a remote forest area.
This case has put a spotlight on the dangers faced by social media influencers and the potential risks associated with their public personas. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities gather more evidence and seek justice for Stefanie Pieper.
