Early Life in Graz (1994–2010)
Stefanie Pieper was born in 1994 in Graz, Austria’s picturesque second-largest city, known for its UNESCO-listed old town and vibrant student culture. Raised in the green, upscale Geidorf district by her mother Csilla Legenstein and a close family circle, young “Steffi” grew up surrounded by love, art, and the gentle rhythm of Styrian life. From an early age she showed a passion for drawing, music, and self-expression—traits that would later define her career as one of Austria’s rising beauty influencers.
Teenage Years and Education
As a teenager, Stefanie attended local schools before enrolling at the prestigious University of Graz to study law, a practical choice that reflected her disciplined side. Parallel to her academic path, she completed professional training in cosmetics and makeup artistry at WIFI Steiermark. Friends remember her as ambitious yet warm-hearted, always sketching new makeup looks in her notebooks between lectures.
Rise as a Beauty Influencer and Musician (2016–2023)
In 2016, at age 22, Stefanie launched her freelance career as a professional makeup artist. Her Instagram account @stefaniepieper quickly grew to nearly 50,000 followers thanks to flawless tutorials, honest product reviews, and relatable lifestyle content. She became an official ambassador for IQ Beauty Of Course and was frequently searched for keywords like Stefanie Pieper makeup tips, Austrian beauty influencer, and Graz makeup artist.
Beyond beauty, Stefanie pursued music under the name Stefanie Pieper Music, releasing original songs that showcased her soft, emotional voice. Her Golden Retriever Marlow became a social-media star in his own right, appearing in countless posts and reels.
Personal Life and Relationships
Stefanie lived independently in a cozy apartment in central Graz filled with plants, vinyl records, and Marlow’s toys. She had an on-again, off-again relationship with a 31-year-old part-time security guard and amateur poker player—later identified as the main suspect in her death. Despite the turbulence, those close to her say she always put her career, family, and dog first.
The Fateful Night: November 23, 2025
On Saturday, November 23, 2025, Stefanie attended a lively Christmas party in Graz city center. She left around 7 a.m. on November 24, sharing a taxi home with a friend. Her last WhatsApp message read “Gut angekommen” (“Arrived safely”), followed minutes later by a cryptic note mentioning a “dark figure” in the stairwell. Neighbors reported hearing arguing. That morning, Stefanie Pieper vanished.
The Disappearance That Shocked Austria
When Stefanie missed a scheduled photoshoot on November 24, colleagues raised the alarm. The case exploded across Austrian media under hashtags #FindStefanie and #StefaniePieperMissing. Her distraught mother Csilla Legenstein made emotional public appeals. Blood was found in the apartment, her phone was switched off, and Marlow was discovered alone and anxious.
The Cross-Border Manhunt
Investigators quickly focused on Stefanie’s ex-boyfriend. CCTV footage placed him near her building, and his car was later found burned in a casino parking lot near Maribor, Slovenia—just across the border. On November 27–28, he, his brother, and his stepfather were arrested in Slovenia on suspicion of murder and evidence tampering.
Discovery of the Body: November 30, 2025
One week after her disappearance, on November 30, 2025, search teams located Stefanie’s remains in a forested area south of Maribor. Her body had been stuffed into a suitcase and superficially buried. The discovery confirmed the worst fears of her family and fans worldwide.
Confession and Cause of Death
Under interrogation, the 31-year-old ex-boyfriend confessed to strangling Stefanie during a violent argument in her apartment on the morning of November 24. An autopsy confirmed manual strangulation as the official cause of death. The case was classified as femicide linked to a former intimate partner.
National Mourning and Legacy
Austria mourned the loss of the 31-year-old Graz influencer whose bright smile had lit up thousands of screens. Candlelight vigils were held in Graz, and tributes poured in under #StefaniePieper and Stefanie Pieper tribute. Her music remains streaming, her tutorials continue to inspire new makeup artists, and Marlow found a loving forever home with a close friend.
Stefanie Pieper’s story—from a creative girl in Geidorf to one of Austria’s most beloved beauty influencers—ended in unimaginable tragedy, but her light, authenticity, and artistry will never be forgotten.
