Concerns develop for magnificence influencer lacking after seeing ‘creep’ exterior dwelling
Stefanie Pieper, 31, disappeared in Graz, Austria, after she had been enjoying a Christmas party with a mate over the weekend – her boyfriend has since been arrested in Slovenia
The sudden disappearance of a beauty influencer has sparked concern after she sent a text to her mate about a ‘creep’ lurking outside her flat just before vanishing.
Stefanie Pieper, 31, has become the focus of an extensive cross-border police search in Europe following her failure to show up for a photoshoot on Monday. The influencer, boasting over 42,000 followers on Instagram, had been enjoying a Christmas do with a pal in Graz, Austria.
She sent a text early Sunday confirming she’d safely reached her flat via taxi. However, when she didn’t pick up her phone after missing the shoot on Monday, a worried photographer decided to check on her at her home – only to be met by her boyfriend, 31-year-old Peter M.
Growing increasingly anxious about her whereabouts, he rang the police shortly afterwards, who discovered her mobile in a nearby bush, reports the Mirror.
Upon questioning neighbours, the police were told about “loud noises” emanating from her flat on Sunday. A crucial clue emerged when they examined her final message.
In a Whatsapp text to a friend, she mentioned “there’s a creep in the stairwell”, adding that the individual cast a “dark figure.”
Peter has since been apprehended in neighbouring Slovenia while reportedly attempting to cross the border. His red Volkswagen Golf was found torched near the Mond Casino in Šentilj, just a few miles away.
When questioned by police, Peter allegedly couldn’t provide an explanation for why the car had been torched. He’s being held in custody in Slovenia and was due to face court for an extradition hearing today.
Two men believed to be his brother and stepbrother have also been detained in relation to Stefanie’s vanishing. Officers said they are probing “at full speed” and are maintaining an open mind about whether Stefanie is still alive.
Stefanie is described as approximately 5ft 9in tall, with shoulder-length dark blonde hair and a slender frame. She bears a tattoo of her mother’s name, Csilla, on her left forearm.
In a heartfelt appeal shared on Facebook on Monday, her mum Csilla Legenstein posted: “My daughter has been missing since [Sunday] morning. Any helpful information will be financially rewarded. Please help me find my daughter.”
An update from the Styrian State Police in Austria on Thursday morning read: “Two more men from the suspect’s family circle were arrested in Austria today. The detainees are in police custody and are being questioned.
“Forensic examination of the ex-boyfriend’s car yielded no clues as to the missing woman’s whereabouts. Investigations are being conducted in both Slovenia and Austria, and there is close cooperation between the two authorities.
“Search operations carried out in Slovenia have so far been unsuccessful; these will continue tomorrow. Rumors are circulating in various media outlets and online platforms that the missing woman has been found in Slovenia. Several media inquiries refer to this rumor. The Styrian police cannot confirm this rumor.”
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