Information reaching our newsroom confirms that Stasy Janae Charles was killed after being stabbed to death by her boyfriend, Steven Heinrich Jr., who later set himself on fire following a nearby car crash and ultimately died from his injuries at the hospital.
Baton Rouge Police responded to the 12000 block of Old Hammond Highway shortly after 2 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, where they discovered Charles deceased at the scene. Investigators determined she had been fatally stabbed.
Authorities then learned of a major car accident that had occurred a short distance from the crime scene. When officers arrived at the crash site, they found Heinrich inside the vehicle and quickly identified him as the suspect in Charles’s stabbing.
According to Baton Rouge Police, Heinrich set himself on fire while seated in the crashed vehicle. Officers were able to extinguish the flames, and he was transported to a hospital with life-threatening burn injuries. Police later confirmed that Heinrich died on Friday.
Officials also revealed that Heinrich had been arrested just one week earlier for battery of a dating partner, after Charles reported him to the police. He posted a $2,500 bond and was served with an active protective order. Investigators further noted that Heinrich had six additional protective orders issued by women in other states.
The Baton Rouge Police Department confirmed that the case remains under active investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact **Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867.
This tragic incident underscores the serious risks of domestic violence and the critical importance of enforcing protective measures. Authorities are urging the community to stay vigilant, report any threats, and support victims in seeking help, in hopes of preventing such devastating events in the future.
