‘Dateline NBC’: Where is Stephen Beal now? Obsessed lover takes gruesome revenge after ex-lover leaves him for another man
ALISO VIEJO, CALIFORNIA: Stephen Beal is currently serving a life sentence plus an additional 30 years in prison. He was sentenced for his involvement in the bombing that resulted in the death of his ex-lover and business partner, Ildiko Krajnyak.
Beal, aged 64, received his sentence from United States District Judge Josephine L Staton. During the sentencing, Judge Staton remarked, "The cold, calculated nature of this crime is chilling."
Following a four-week trial, a federal jury in July 2023 found Beal guilty of four felonies: use of a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death, malicious destruction of a building resulting in death, use of a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
“We are gratified that Beal will spend the rest of his life in prison where he will no longer be in a position to indiscriminately harm others nor torment the survivors of his crime," said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
In an upcoming episode of NBC's 'Dateline' titled 'Death at the Spa,' set to air on Friday, February 9 at 9 pm ET, the show delves into the tragic explosion at a Southern California day spa. The incident involved a package bomb that killed esthetician Ildiko Krajnyak and injured two clients.
Law enforcement unravels that the bomb was specifically targeted at Krajnyak. The official synopsis raises questions about who might have wanted her dead, and an investigation into her love life uncovers various possibilities.
Led by reporter Josh Mankiewicz, the episode features interviews with FBI agents, law enforcement officials, and prosecutors to unravel the mysteries surrounding this chilling case.
Who is Stephen Beal?
Stephen Beal is accused of killing Ildiko Krajnyak in an act of revenge following their breakup. Krajnyak had ended their relationship and started dating someone else, which allegedly triggered Beal's harmful intentions.
The defense argued that Beal was Krajnyak's lover, close friend, and business partner, suggesting he had no motive to harm her.
The bomb exploded in an Aliso Viejo office building on May 15, 2018, killing Krajnyak, who owned Magyar Kozmetika, a day spa in the building, and permanently injuring two clients, a mother and her daughter.
Why did Stephen Beal kill Ildiko Krajnyak?
Contrary to the defense's claims, the prosecution painted a picture of Beal being obsessed with Krajnyak. Allegedly, Beal sent numerous emails, poems, letters, and cards, exhibiting controlling behavior.
Friends had warned Krajnyak about Beal's actions.
During the trial, the prosecution played a tape where Beal read a love poem expressing an obsession that grew into a vengeful act resulting in Krajnyak's death.
Beal, with a background in building rockets and pyrotechnics, used an explosive mixture in the bomb similar to chemicals found at his home. This tragic incident unfolded as a consequence of a complex web of emotions and alleged obsession, leading to a deadly act of revenge.
How was Stephen Beal found guilty?
During the trial, one of the surviving victims recounted witnessing Krajnyak standing behind her desk, opening a cardboard box just before the explosion. This prompted a police investigation into Stephen Beal's residence.
Law enforcement discovered over 130 pounds of explosive precursor chemicals and completed explosive mixtures, electric matches, and wires at Beal's home. Beal, with experience in building high-powered model rockets and pyrotechnics, used a similar explosive mixture in the bomb as found in his residence.
The FBI's Evidence Response Team recovered parts of a 9-volt battery and wire fragments embedded in the ceiling above the blast site. The wires used in the bomb's fusing system matched the unique type found in electric matches and wires at Beal's home.
In the days leading up to the bombing, Beal purchased the remaining items needed for the bomb. Security camera footage captured him buying a single 9-volt battery with cash six days before the incident. Additionally, Beal acquired three cardboard boxes matching the size and shape of the one Krajnyak opened when the bomb exploded.
Investigation revealed that Beal, having a key to the business, visited the spa multiple times before the bombing while Krajnyak was away. He strategically left the package bomb for Krajnyak to open upon her return, leading to the tragic event.
Did two other victims of the explosion survive?
The explosion at Magyar Kozmetika Day Spa on May 15, 2018, resulted in the immediate death of Ildiko Krajnyak. However, two spa clients, a mother and her daughter survived, but sustained severe injuries, including second-and third-degree burns, with one survivor losing an eye due to the blast.
The trial heard harrowing accounts from these survivors, describing the excruciating pain and suffering they endured.
In the aftermath, the daughter of one of the spa clients, despite her own injuries, was seen dragging her severely injured mother away from the explosion site. Both mother and daughter faced significant burns as a consequence of the detonation.
The impact of the blast extended beyond the immediate victims, causing substantial damage to the commercial office building that housed the spa.
What sentence was announced to Stephen Beal?
Stephen Beal, implicated in the events of May 15, 2018, was arrested in March 2019. After pleading guilty in November 2023, he awaited sentencing on February 23, 2024.
Beal admitted to wire fraud, Social Security fraud, and concealing assets during bankruptcy proceedings, failing to report $350,000 from his late wife's estate. His fraudulent activities included obtaining insurance benefits and Social Security payments, resulting in over $1.3 million in illicit disability payments.
At 64 years old, Beal faced federal charges, including the use of a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death, malicious destruction of a building resulting in death, use of a destructive device in a crime of violence, and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Following a retrial, Beal was convicted, with sentencing scheduled for November 17 in downtown Los Angeles. The US Attorney's Office indicated that Beal would potentially face a life term in federal prison.
