The body of Stefanie Pieper, a 31-year-old Austrian beauty influencer, has been discovered in a remote forest in Slovenia, nearly a week after she was reported missing. Pieper was last seen on November 23, 2025, after attending a Christmas party. Her disappearance triggered an intensive search after her family and colleagues raised concerns when she missed a scheduled photoshoot.
According to reports, Pieper's ex-boyfriend, Peter M., a 31-year-old Slovenian nightclub security guard, allegedly confessed to strangling her during an argument. He then led investigators to the location where he had hidden her body in a suitcase.
Prior to her disappearance, Pieper sent a WhatsApp message to friends indicating she had arrived home safely after the Christmas party. However, she later sent another message expressing concern that someone may have followed her into her stairwell. Neighbors also reported hearing an argument and seeing Pieper's ex-boyfriend at her apartment building before she went missing.
The investigation led authorities to Peter M., who was apprehended by Slovenian police on Monday, November 24, after his car was found burning in a casino parking lot near the Austrian border. He was unable to provide a valid explanation for the car fire. Investigators believe he had traveled to Slovenia multiple times in recent days. On Friday, he was extradited to Austria.
In addition to the ex-boyfriend's arrest, two of his family members, believed to be his brother and stepfather, have also been taken into custody. They are suspected of assisting in the disposal of Pieper's body or covering up the crime.
Pieper was a well-known beauty influencer and makeup artist from Graz, Austria. She created content about her makeup skills, lifestyle tips, and music across social media platforms. She frequently posted about her Golden Retriever, Marlow, and her collaborations with cosmetic brands, including IQ Beauty Of Course, where she served as a brand ambassador. Pieper was also a singer-songwriter under the name Stefanie Pieper Music and had studied law at Universität Graz.
The case has sent shockwaves through Austria and Slovenia. Authorities are continuing their investigation.
