Beauty Influencer Murdered: Ex-Boyfriend Charged

Patrick M. has been formally charged with the murder of his ex-girlfriend, beauty influencer Stefanie Pieper, ten months after she was killed. The alleged crime occurred in November 2025 when Pieper was reportedly strangled and stabbed in her Austrian apartment. Her body was subsequently placed in a suitcase and buried in a forest near the Slovenian border.

Patrick M., 31, had previously admitted to the murder, attributing it to jealousy following their breakup. However, he has since walked back this confession, now only admitting to burying Pieper's body. He was arrested in Šentilj, Slovenia, and extradited to Austria. His brother and stepfather were accused of assisting in moving the body but are not expected to face charges.

Pieper was last seen on November 23, 2025, and later sent concerning texts about a "creep in the stairwell" before being reported missing on November 24. Her body was found on November 29, 2025, with authorities noting facial injuries possibly sustained while trying to escape the suitcase. Investigations quickly focused on her ex-boyfriend, who had reportedly traveled to Slovenia multiple times.