Austrian Beauty Influencer Stefanie Pieper Found Dead in Slovenian Forest; Ex-Boyfriend Confesses to Strangling Her After Recent Breakup

Austrian beauty influencer Stefanie Pieper, 31, was found dead inside a suitcase in a remote forest in Slovenia after her ex-boyfriend allegedly confessed to killing her and dumping her body, authorities say.

Pieper, known for her growing social media presence and professional modeling work, went missing after returning home from a Christmas party on November 23. Her disappearance triggered concern when she failed to show up for a planned photo shoot and could not be reached by family or colleagues, according to the Styrian State Police.

Ex-Boyfriend Allegedly Confesses and Leads Police to Body

Pieper’s ex-boyfriend — also 31, identified in local reports as Peter M. — allegedly admitted to strangling her during an argument and later guiding police to the forested location in Slovenia where he abandoned her body. Austrian outlet Kronen Zeitung reported that the suspect described the incident during questioning.

Authorities say Pieper had recently ended her “on-and-off” relationship with the man, a part-time security guard known for unsuccessful poker pursuits. The breakup reportedly took place just days before her death.

Final Messages and Witness Statements Raise Alarm

Investigators say Pieper sent a WhatsApp message to friends on the night she disappeared, assuring them she’d gotten home safely. Shortly afterward, she reportedly messaged again expressing fear that someone had followed her into her building’s stairwell, according to local outlet Oe24.

Neighbors later reported hearing a heated argument in the building and claimed they saw her ex-boyfriend on the premises that night.

Austrian Beauty Influencer Stefanie Pieper Found Dead in Slovenian Forest; Ex-Boyfriend Confesses to Strangling Her After Recent Breakup

Arrest in Slovenia After Car Fire Outside Casino

The suspect was arrested on November 26 by Slovenian State Police after his car mysteriously caught fire outside a casino near the Austrian border. Police say he had traveled to Slovenia multiple times in the days following Pieper’s disappearance.

He was extradited to Austria on Friday after allegedly leading authorities to the remote area where he had disposed of the body. In a further development, the suspect’s father and brother were also arrested in connection with the investigation, though officials have not disclosed the roles they may have played.

Motive Still Unclear as Investigation Continues

Authorities have not released a motive, and it remains unclear what may have triggered the deadly encounter. Investigators are now piecing together Pieper’s final hours and reviewing communications, witness accounts, and travel records.

The tragic case has sparked outrage across Austria and Slovenia, as friends, colleagues, and followers mourn the loss of a young woman whose life was interrupted in a moment of violence.