Who was behind California spa bombing? 'Dateline NBC' explores IIdiko Krajnyak's murder by ex who sent package bomb to her spa
ALISO VEIJO, CALIFORNIA: Stephen Beal was implicated in the murder of ex-business-partner and lover Ildiko Krajnyak. Beal was arrested in March 2019 and later convicted on federal charges related to the murder, including the use of a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death and malicious destruction of a building resulting in death.
NBC's 'Dateline' episode titled, 'Death at the Spa', which airs on Friday, February 9 at 9 pm ET, uncovers the deadly explosion at a Southern California day spa.
The official synopsis states, "When a package bomb explodes at a day spa in Southern California, killing beloved esthetician Ildiko Krajnyak and injuring two clients, law enforcement discovers that the bomb was intended specifically for her. Who would want Ildiko dead? An investigation into her love life reveals several possibilities." Led by reporter Josh Mankiewicz, the episode interviews Valerie Stone, FBI agents Nick Valencia and Ashley Mericle, Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigator Jack Ackerman, prosecutors Annamartine Salick and Mark Takla, and others to dig deeper into the chilling case.
What happened to Ildiko Krajnyak?
Ildiko Krajnyak, the owner of Magyar Kozmetika day spa in Aliso Viejo, tragically lost her life in a horrific bombing incident that occurred on May 15, 2018. Stephen William Beal, her ex-boyfriend, was found guilty of building and planting a package bomb that detonated inside the spa, resulting in her death. On the day of the bombing, Krajnyak was behind her desk, opening a cardboard box when the explosive device detonated.
Krajnyak had a complicated personal life that became a focal point during the trial of her ex-lover and convicts, Beal, her ex-boyfriend and business partner. Before her involvement with Beal, Krajnyak was married to Ronilo Vestil, but the two were not together at the time of the bombing. Krajnyak's romantic entanglements added a layer of complexity to the tragic events. She was reportedly in an affair with Beal, who also held a stake in her spa. Their relationship went beyond business, and Beal's role in the spa was intertwined with their connection.
Her history of multiple relationships and complicated love life became a topic of discussion during the trial. Reports suggested that even one of the surviving victims of the bombing was aware of Krajnyak's intricate relationships and expressed concerns to NBC, stating that she felt Krajnyak was caught up in something complicated. "I knew that she had complicated relationships. I don’t know what she was mixed up in," the client told NBC.
What happened to the other two victims in the explosion?
The explosion at Magyar Kozmetika Day Spa on May 15, 2018, resulted in the immediate death of Ildiko Krajnyak, but two spa clients, a mother, and her daughter, sustained severe injuries, including second-and third-degree burns. One of the survivors even lost an eye due to the blast. During the trial, these survivors shared their harrowing experiences, detailing the excruciating pain and suffering inflicted by the explosion.
In the aftermath of the explosion, the daughter of one of the spa clients. despite being heavily injured in the blast, was witnessed dragging her mother away from the site of the explosion. Both mother and daughter had suffered severe injuries, including burns, as a result of the detonation. The impact of the blast wasn't limited to the individuals directly affected. The explosion also caused significant damage to the commercial office building housing the spa
How did Stephen Beal plant a bomb in the spa?
About a week before the explosion, Beal was captured on surveillance video buying the specific type of battery used in the explosive device, according to federal prosecutors.
Additionally, Beal purchased three cardboard boxes similar to the one that contained the bomb. Federal officials argued that Beal, who had access to the business and was observed at the spa days before the blast, likely planted the bomb during that time. Just days before the bombing, Beal completed his purchases for the explosives, as seen on store security camera footage, where he used cash to buy a single 9-volt battery.
Beal also acquired three cardboard boxes, matching the size and shape of the box that the surviving victim testified Krajnyak opened when the bomb exploded. Leading up to the incident, Beal was monitoring Krajnyak's activities by checking her online schedule application and social media account. Security camera footage and cellular locational data indicated that Beal, who had a key to the business, visited the spa multiple times before the bombing while Krajnyak was away. It is believed that Beal strategically left the package bomb for Krajnyak to open upon her return. The devastating explosion occurred when Krajnyak opened a cardboard box near the spa's front desk, triggering the explosive device and resulting in a catastrophic blast that tore apart Krajnyak's body and destroyed the building.
Why did Stephen Beal kill Ildiko Krajnyak?
Stephen Beal allegedly killed Ildiko Krajnyak as an act of revenge following their breakup. Krajnyak had ended their relationship and was romantically involved with another man, which is believed to have triggered Beal's intentions. According to the defense, Beal was described as Krajnyak's lover, close friend, and business partner, and they argued that he had no motive to harm her.
However, the prosecution presented a different narrative, suggesting that Beal was obsessed with Krajnyak. He reportedly sent numerous emails, poems, letters, and cards to her, with friends warning Krajnyak about his controlling and possessive behavior. The prosecution played a portion of a tape for the jury where Beal read a love poem he had written for the victim, expressing sentiments of growing old together and being the last voice heard before going to sleep. "I love that we will grow old together," the poem read. "I love that you are the last voice I hear before I go to sleep. I love how you nurture me ... you complete me." This apparent obsession escalated into a vengeful act that tragically took Krajnyak's life.
When was Stephen Beal convicted?
Beal, implicated in the events of May 15, 2018, was apprehended in March 2019. After entering a guilty plea in November 2023, he awaited sentencing on February 23, 2024. Beal admitted to wire fraud, Social Security fraud, and concealing assets during bankruptcy proceedings, neglecting to report $350,000 from his late wife's estate, according to the United States Attorney Office's press release. His fraudulent schemes 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 leading to 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 the sentencing scheduled for November 17 in downtown Los Angeles. The U.S. Attorney's Office indicated that Beal could potentially face a life term in federal prison.
