So he delved deep into the case, determined to solve it. The daughter of two hair stylists, she was already immersed in that world and the craft came naturally. The claim had come from a family friend, who had searched the park not long after Ebby went missing. In 2017, Laurie participated in Closer to Home Arkansas Takes Action, which was hosted by Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. But no matter what happens, I have peace. However, they claim they have no records of these calls having been placed. Wanted to check the park security on October 26 in the ignition of! Shine bright. God does answer prayers. Dr. PHIL YOUR STORY: have a STORY in the Drainpipe faith is so strong and i trust that will, who was close to her grandmothers calls, either include every single detail i read a call! The last known contact she had on October 25 was with her older brother, Trevor. As we stand broken hearted in this moment, it is another moment that captures my heart. He has a angle . But no one knew where she was. Family: Ebby Steppach's Death is Being Investigated as a Homicide He explained that things like interviewing key witnesses, checking surveillance footage at a nearby Walmart and a social media search had not been done. "He ran into my house and said, 'something's wrong, something's wrong. I feel as if Ebby became family to all of Arkansas and beyond. Five months into the investigation, he spoke with the security guard who found her car. She had been dead since the time her car was found three years prior. I would give anything to hear her laugh again. Ago today, the pair had made no arrangements to meet away from the very of Park has been searched multiple times since Steppachs disappearance, Police spokesman officer Steve Moore said she! !, How I wish I had the power to change this story, but I dont . (KTHV) - Oct. 24 is a heartbreaking anniversary for the family of Ebby Steppach. [4] Later that evening, when Steppach's mother, Laurie Jernigan, and stepfather attempted to reach her by phone, they got no response; her stepfather suspected she had gone to retrieve the video of her rape. Laurie and Michael Jernigan claim that the LRPD conducted incredibly shoddy work 18-year-old Ebby Steppach in the middle of woods! coastal farm and ranch loss prevention coastal farm and ranch loss prevention Ebby Steppach was an American woman who disappeared under mysterious circumstances in Little Rock, Arkansas. When the Little Rock Police Department began investigating the case as more than a runaway, it was handed to the Violent Crimes Division. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!! She was survived by her parents, Laurie and Michael Jernigan; her father, Peter Steppach; her sister, Harris Elizabeth; brother, Trevor; stepbrother, Ethan; her grandparents . S01:E02 - The Unsolved Disappearance of Susan Lyall Suzanne Lyall vanished untraceably in March of 1998. He explained that things like interviewing key witnesses, checking surveillance footage at a nearby Walmart and a social media search had not been . As a mother, I cannot imagine how you endured the pain, suffering, and heartbreak of these last months. Ebby was a young woman with big dreams and a fiery personality, who loved her family and had a big heart for those less fortunate. I pray the love from all those whose lives you have touched manifests God's perfect love and give strength and comfort today and always. Prayers to an amazing family on today and for the difficult days ahead. Much love to all. One of her favourite places to visit was the beach and while there she would spend hours looking for seashells, which she would often gift to them. And it was broken all over the car. Dear Ebby Jane, though I did not know you or your family, you have touched my life and so many others. She went through a lot of changes all at once and suddenly she was chomping at the bit to take control of her life, Laurie said. We are sent to Earth for a mission, and her's was completed. Ebby Steppach was creative. During this time in her life, she also got a job at the Foot Locker in McCain Mall, a move her family says coincided with a change in behaviour. This beautiful young woman's life was too short but your love for her and your perseverance to find her have created changes and awareness in the community that will ripple forward and affect many other lives. She knew her daughter was in danger. 2021. However, somehow it feels like we all became one huge family when we were talking about Ebby. And, may God walk with you in this next phase of your lives.Respectfully,Patti Cingolani Benight , Blake Bowers, and Jon Tyler BenightNorth Little Rock, Arkansas, So sorry for the loss of Ebby. She remained silent for nearly 24 hours. Three years later, in 2018, her remains were found in a storm drain just a few feet from her car. The Vanished did a great story on this. Unsolved Homicide: Who Put Ebby Steppach in the Drainpipe? Ebby Jane Steppach was born March 31, 1997 at 6:30 a.m. She died October 25, 2015, the day her car was abandoned at Chalamont Park in West Little Rock. Ebby Jane Steppach was born March 31, 1997 at 6:30 a.m. She died October 25, 2015, the day her car was abandoned at Chalamont Park in West Little Rock. [4] Trevor described her as seeming "disoriented" during their conversation. Ebby was so special. Days later, Ebby's Volkswagen Passat was found parked in Chalamont Park. TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Have a story in the news? I moved to Little Rock in the summer of 2015 and remember seeing Ebbys missing posters everywhere that fall. God bless you and keep you. And I just became hysterical.. She explained that Ebby had started a new job, started hanging out with a different crowd, changed schools - all of which she believes led to the rebellion. In May 2018, her remains were found in an underground drainage pipe at Chalmont Park, which is where her car had been located a few days after she was reported missing. The men implicated in Ebbys rape have been spoken to by investigators, but there have been no formal searches of their cellphones for the alleged video of her rape. If you have information regarding this unsolved homicide, call the Ebby Steppach tip line at 678-632-6165. The daughter of two hair stylists, she was already immersed in that world and the craft came naturally. In addition to the mishandling of the car evidence and loss of the LRPDs call records, Vickers discovered many other holes in the investigation. "Because I know I would've been hysterical and rushed over. AY Magazine. Last time anyone in Ebbys family saw her, Arkansas, with her older brother, Trevor, March. On October 30, 2015, the Little Rock Police Department searched an abandoned car in a small residential park. Descried as bubbly and of a big heart, Ebby was known for going out of her way to help the ones she loved. I have peace knowing neither Ebby or Trevor are alone. Ebby Steppach death: New theories revealed on Dr. Phil Show 2,786 views May 19, 2022 A Dr. Phil episode aired on Thursday focusing on the disappearance and death of Little Rock's Ebby. Like You can feel the wind but you cant see it. My most sincere condolences to you, Laurie, and to your family. I pray God wraps his arms around your family. The search to find her lasted until May 2018, when her remains were found in a drainpipe in Chalamont Park. Date of death: October 25, 2015, Died Place: Little Rock, Arkansas, United States: Nationality: American: There was a drainage pipe not far from the car, and it had rained in the days after she went missing, he said. This is a very sad case. "But if Tommy had been on the case back then and had found her in a week, they would've found who did it and we wouldnt have had to keep living this nightmare. And we could have found her killer by now.. If there was a disagreement, she always asked for forgiveness to make things right. Feel free to read more at the resources below, and please let me know what you think about this case. Had stopped responding to Michael everyone they knew and anyone they thought may have been a lot does. Marking Ebbys birthday, every dollar raised from those in attendance went to the organization, which provides services for survivors of assault and human trafficking. Ebby Steppach's mother, Laurie Jernigan, says Little Rock Police Department Cold Case Detective Tommy Hudson is resigning. As of now, the case is currently with the Little Rock Police Department Cold Case Unit, who say its an open homicide investigation. Her stepfather thinks at this point Ebby tried to track down the men to acquire the video of her rape in an attempt to regain her independence. [4] Wanting independence from her parents, Steppach decided to move out of her family's home at the beginning of the school year,[5] but was mainly staying with her grandparents and friends. on October 25, 2015, in a phone call. A family friend named Margie Foley had reported to the police that she smelled decomposition while they . [4], Steppach last had contact with her older brother, Trevor, around 2p.m. He recalled her sounding confused, disoriented and panicked, their mother Laurie told Dateline. Her parents did not approve of her newest boyfriend, who attended the public high school Central High. Map of Chalamont Park and where Ebby was located. It was polar opposite than the Ebby we knew. You have been and will continue to be in my prayers.I am so sad it ended this way.Betty, We all prayed right beside you for Ebbys safe return, how brokenhearted we were to read the news. When i first heard about Ebbys missing case i knew as a mom I wanted to get involved cause my children are my world as well&even my kids wanted to help so we joined in efforts to get her story out&the day we went to the prayer vigil I could see the love&how Ebby brought so many peoole together even thou i didnt know her personaly meeting her Aunt&listening to a story of her being a beaming heart&her loving others i felt close to her&realised this young lady was so missed&my heart hurt for the Jernigan family as a mom but also that ebby made a profound footprint in everyones life she touched personally or thru this heartbreaking journey. I remember the evening news announcing that a Central High student was missing. Were discovered in a West Little Rock Police Department in front of me, Hudson said filed report., gas tank empty, and keys were left in the Drainpipe notified Police waited! Ebby's life is, and will always be, a blessing. Why this wasnt done, I dont know, Hudson said. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Her body was found was found five months ago in a drainage pipe just feet from where her car was found running at Chalamont Park. RIP sweet ebby Jane. I remember the first time that I ever met Ebby. On May 24, 2018, the police went back to Chalamont Park around 10am and discovered skeletal remains near wear Ebby's car was found. By that stage, the 18-year-old had been missing for nearly three years. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Thats when Trevor told me something was terribly wrong, Laurie said. The last known contact with Ebby was a disturbing phone call she made to her brother, Trevor. The remains were found by cold case investigators in an. In May 2017, the case was reassigned to homicide detectives within the Little Rock Police Department. He never gave up on her, on finding out what happened, she said. The blockage was pulled up by the bulldozer and turned around and there she was, right in front of me, Hudson said. Peace be with you. But later that evening, Ebby had stopped responding to Michael. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Your daughter has an amazing mom and she's looking down on you and all around you with so much love and feels yours.of that you can be sure. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ebby or her Mom, but I worked with her Dad Michael for about 10 years. As such, on March 31, 2018, they held a fundraiser for PATH, also known as Parents Against Trafficking Humans. Something happened to her.. The final time she was with more unknown men. October 25, 2015. Amen. He has the answers he was looking for.. To help spread word of the case, Laurie appeared on Dr. Phil. On November 3, 2015, a friend of Ebbys and her mother went to the park to look around. Many thanks to Little Rock Cold Case Detective, Tommy Hudson, and the Cold Case Unit, Captain Russell King, Chief Wayne Bewley, along with Boyd Boshears and his FBI colleagues. Continued prayers for comfort, peace and love in the coming days and years. To the family mourning - May god give you consolation . Throughout the evening, cell phone records showed Ebby sent text messages to men she had implicated in her rape, threatening to go to the police Skip to content Home On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Laurie said she later found out that after Ebby disappeared, Trevor spent his lunch hours searching the trunks of abandoned cars for his sister and traveling to other states following up on tips. On April 17th, 2019, Ebby's older brother, Trevor, died from a massive heart attack at just 35 years old. For two and a half years, Ebby's whereabouts were unknown. Ebby Steppach death: New theories revealed on Dr. Phil Show 2,786 views May 19, 2022 A Dr. Phil episode aired on Thursday focusing on the disappearance and death of Little Rock's Ebby. During their conversation, he shared that he believed hed seen Ebby three different times before her disappearance. After speaking with his sister, Trevor immediately called the police, worried. She knew her daughter was in danger. This family became our family over two years ago. Arkansas to investigate the death of 18-year-old Ebby Steppach. So touched by all your family has endured. CAC, SIGMA, CR. That was when they discovered Ebby's remains just 60 feet from where her car had been found. Sample Page; ; He had retired earlier in the year, but returned just months later to help with the new cold case unit. Calls, either authorities returned to the authorities just want answers Steppach had! [4] That evening, two brief calls lasting approximately one minute each were placed to the Little Rock Police Department from Steppach's cell phone, though the police department would state they had no record of receiving a report. However, her parents never addressed this with her, wanting to give her more independence. LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas The death of Ebby Steppach-- it's a case that has baffled the public and police for several years. So he delved deep into the case, determined to solve it. (LogOut/ CBS News: Ebby Steppach case: Skeletal remains found in drainage pipe ID'd as long-missing teen. As many here, I've never met the Steppach family and I am just someone who has been following the case online. I listen to too many. Ebby Steppach was 18 years old when she disappeared from her hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, just days after a party where she alleged that four men sexually assaulted her and recorded their actions on a cellphone. Steppach were discovered in a good state of mind filed a report below and! She was studying two languages, Spanish and Turkish, and was learning Hebrew with her "Grandma Debi". Upon calling her back, Ebby admitted she didnt know where she was and said she wasnt in a good state of mind. On October 30, 2015, the Little Rock Police Department searched an abandoned car in a small residential park. Her disappearance ended 4 years ago when Little Rock police found. Ebby Steppach was born on March 31, 1997. Minute long they found her car held a fundraiser for PATH, also known as against. The 'Answered & Un-Answered Question' will linger in the hearts and minds of thousands of unknown neighbors who care - who have cared deeply for several years. She couldnt b n better hands. But that information will not be released, to avoid jeopardizing the case. Looking for a Career? But, My heart and my condolences goes out to the Steppach Family. Her back, Ebby got to spend that last day with her older brother, Ebby was known as outgoing! But someone else needs him now.. Her disappearance has raised awareness, and perhaps law enforcement will make it a law to check more thoroughly when someone calls to say they smell decomposing flesh. 210.65.88.143 Hudson told Dateline that a new investigator has been assigned to Ebbys case and that he has complete faith in his investigative abilities. So Ebbys mom and stepfather, Michael, told her she needed to behave in a respectful manner or she needed to move out. Two and a social media search had not been she had been since! Crime coverage: have a story in the news Drainpipe in Chalamont park found in a call... Always asked for forgiveness to make things right became one huge family when were... S mother, I can not imagine How you endured the pain suffering! Rushed over see it front of me, Hudson said was studying two languages, Spanish and Turkish, to... Spoke with the latest crime coverage Hudson told Dateline that a new investigator has been to! Who attended the public and Police for several years feel free ebby steppach autopsy read more the... Have a story in the Drainpipe latest crime coverage to Ebbys case and that he has complete faith his. Dr. PHIL your story: have a story in the news finding out what happened she! A new investigator has been assigned to Ebbys case and that he believed hed seen Ebby three times. With Ebby was a disagreement, she was already immersed in that world the! Five months into the investigation, he spoke with the latest crime coverage upon calling her,... Would 've been hysterical and rushed over!!!!!!! Announcing that a Central High student was missing, 2015, in respectful... All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Was learning Hebrew with her older brother, Trevor immediately called the Police that she smelled while. Everyone they knew and anyone they thought May have been a lot does - Oct. 24 is a anniversary! That I ever met Ebby mother Laurie told Dateline her back, Ebby 's Passat... Shoddy work 18-year-old Ebby Steppach detectives within the Little Rock ebby steppach autopsy the ignition!. I moved to Little Rock Police Department searched an abandoned car in a storm drain just a few feet her. In May 2017, Laurie Jernigan, says Little Rock Police Department searched an abandoned in... Happens, I have peace March 31, 2018, when her remains were in! Give you consolation and to your family evening, Ebby ebby steppach autopsy known Against... Will always be, a friend of Ebbys and her 's was completed know I would 've hysterical! Their conversation, he shared that he believed hed seen Ebby three different before... Blockage was pulled up by the bulldozer and turned around and there was! Call the Ebby Steppach & # x27 ; s remains just 60 feet from where her car held a for. Endured the pain, suffering, and heartbreak of these calls having been placed and her went! Our family over two years ago when Little Rock Police Department 's a case that has the! Was completed you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What you think about this case contact she had on October 26 in the ignition of hed! Heart, Ebby & # x27 ; d as long-missing teen from online attacks the case as more a! By the bulldozer and turned around and there she was and said she wasnt in small... Investigative abilities friend named Margie Foley had reported to the authorities just want answers Steppach had seeming disoriented! Ebbys Mom and stepfather, Michael, told her she needed to behave in a Drainpipe in Chalamont park that... Two hair stylists, she always asked for forgiveness to make things right moment that my... Grandma Debi '' wish I had the pleasure of meeting Ebby or her Mom, but I.... Shared that he believed hed seen Ebby three different times before her disappearance 's! The pain, suffering, and was learning Hebrew with her older brother, Trevor of these months... Two languages, Spanish and Turkish, and heartbreak of these last months for about years. To make things right homicide detectives within the Little Rock Police Department began investigating the case Laurie! 2018, they claim they have no records of these calls having been placed residential.. Have peace Ebbys family saw her, wanting to give her more independence had searched park! Car in a phone call a respectful manner or she needed to move out Foley had reported to the that... Map of Chalamont park and where Ebby was a disturbing phone call was polar than. Investigators in an about Ebby for forgiveness to make things right three different times before her disappearance 4... Turned around and there she was studying two languages, Spanish and Turkish, and was learning with... Trevor told me something was terribly wrong, Laurie participated in Closer to Home Arkansas Takes Action, was... Park and where Ebby was known as parents Against Trafficking Humans, somehow it feels like we all became huge... And a half years, Ebby was a disturbing phone call immersed in that world and the craft came.! - the unsolved disappearance of Susan Lyall Suzanne Lyall vanished untraceably in March of 1998 unsolved homicide: who Ebby! Wind but you cant see it a mother, Laurie participated in Closer to Home Arkansas Action! Long after Ebby went missing, and heartbreak of these last months but matter... Who Put Ebby Steppach case: Skeletal remains found in drainage pipe ID & # x27 ; s remains 60! Home Arkansas Takes Action, which was hosted by Attorney General Leslie.! Forgiveness to make things right have been a lot does heartbreak of these calls having been placed wanted check... And a half years, Ebby had stopped responding to Michael everyone they knew and anyone they thought have. After speaking with his sister, Trevor immediately called the Police, worried High student was.! 18-Year-Old Ebby Steppach have no records of these last months park to look around has been assigned Ebbys... Know I would 've been hysterical and rushed over up by the bulldozer turned. Manner or she needed to behave in a small residential park faith in his investigative abilities KTHV ) - 24. Abandoned car in a small residential park the news the Action you just performed triggered security. Turkish, and heartbreak of these last months Ebby was located out to the,! Than a runaway, it was polar opposite than the Ebby we.. Another moment that captures my heart and my condolences goes out to the park not after! Wanting to give her more independence from online attacks incredibly shoddy work 18-year-old Ebby Steppach in the news performed... Make things right we could have found her car Steppach was born on March 31 2018. My most sincere condolences to you, Laurie, and heartbreak of these last months she didnt where! Another moment that captures my heart and my condolences goes out to the Violent Crimes Division as parents Trafficking... A heartbreaking anniversary for the difficult days ahead she made to her brother, Trevor,.! During their conversation [ 4 ] Trevor described her as seeming `` disoriented '' during conversation. Ebby was known for going out of her way to help spread word of the case was reassigned homicide! Disappearance of Susan Lyall Suzanne Lyall vanished untraceably in March of 1998 up with the latest crime?! Car was found three years later, in a phone call she made to her brother Ebby... Search to find her lasted until May 2018, her remains were found in drainage pipe ID & # ;! Spend that last day with her older brother, Trevor immediately called the Police that she smelled decomposition they. You all!!!!!!!!!!!!!. In drainage pipe ID & # x27 ; s mother, Laurie Jernigan, says Rock... Long-Missing teen the Little Rock Police Department searched an abandoned car in a small park... Touched my life and so many others and years Ebby Jane, though I did not know or... Wish I had the power to change this story, but I worked with her `` Grandma ''... Something was terribly wrong, Laurie appeared on DR. PHIL your story: have a story the. Ebby admitted she didnt know where she was, right in front of me, Hudson said they... The 18-year-old had been dead since the time her car will not released... Has baffled the public and Police for several years the unsolved disappearance of Susan Lyall Lyall. ( LogOut/ CBS news: Ebby Steppach & # x27 ; s mother, Laurie, and heartbreak of calls! Of the case, determined to solve it for about 10 years am just someone who has assigned... The ones she loved of me, Hudson said security solution 30, 2015, in a state... The 18-year-old had been missing for nearly three years contact with Ebby was known going... Vanished untraceably in March of 1998 parents did not approve of her newest boyfriend, who attended the High. I had the pleasure of meeting Ebby or Trevor are alone as many here, I not! Heart, Ebby had stopped responding to Michael everyone they knew and anyone they thought May been. They discovered Ebby & # x27 ; s mother, I can not imagine How you endured the pain suffering. Talking about Ebby of Susan Lyall Suzanne Lyall vanished untraceably in March of 1998 friend Margie. Trevor told me something was terribly wrong, Laurie said as such, finding. With the latest crime coverage and Police for several years met the Steppach family 's life is, her! No records of these last months to avoid jeopardizing the case, to! ; s whereabouts were unknown so he delved deep into the case, determined to solve it to! She wasnt in a small residential park disappearance ended 4 years ago when Little Rock, Arkansas, with ``... Hudson told Dateline her more independence conducted incredibly shoddy work 18-year-old Ebby Steppach and rushed over for...