Hudson told Dateline that a new investigator has been assigned to Ebbys case and that he has complete faith in his investigative abilities. But someone else needs him now.. May all of your good memories continue to carry you through the difficult times ahead. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1190fe2c75525d (LogOut/ I too, have prayed for this family. Ebby Steppach was creative. Much love to all. It was around that time that Laurie said the 18-year-old high school student started to change. 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. An internal investigation was conducted, which yielded insufficient evidence to prove her claims. Days before her disappearance, she had accused four men of gang-raping her at a party she had attended. She would not let you leave a room without making you laugh. The last known contact with Ebby was a disturbing phone call she made to her brother, Trevor. Protective. I understand her strong will, I understand all of that. I, too, have followed the long journey to find Ebby, praying for her and for her family. Looking for a Career? Join the Roller Family. There was a drainage pipe not far from the car, and it had rained in the days after she went missing, he said. The keys were in the ignition, the battery was dead and the gas tank was empty. Her decision to transfer schools had come after she began dating a new boyfriend, and while attending this new school she was known to occasionally be truant. You have my support for the rest of your life and with anything you ever need I'm a phone call away. . Steppach, 18, disappeared from Little Rock, Arkansas on October 24, 2015. When I got the case, there were things that werent done that shouldve been done on the front end, Hudson said, explaining that interviewing key witnesses and checking surveillance footage had not been done. And she took excellent care of it. My condolences to the family of this beautiful young lady. I pray for your strength, peace and comfort now and in the days ahead and throughout your life as you find a way to go on. Many blessings and prayers for you 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. 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 . Examining the world of solved and unsolved cases. Though I never had the opportunity to meet Ebby, I feel as though I did know her. Days later, Ebby's Volkswagen Passat was found parked in Chalamont Park. Only days before her disappearance she had accused four men of gang raping her at a party. We could have put her to rest. Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, she lived with her mother, Laurie Jernigan; her stepfather, Michael Jernigan; her older brother, Trevor; and her younger sister, Harris. But as time passed, they became more and more worried. And she started to push back rebel.. For two and a half years, Ebby's whereabouts were unknown. And we could have found her killer by now.. According to locals familiar with the case, Ebby was about to report 4 men who sexually assaulted her, including the son of a police officer. Upon calling her back, Ebby admitted she didnt know where she was and said she wasnt in a good state of mind. Inicio; Servicios. She loved the Lord and cared so much for others especially if she felt they had been wronged. What really happened to Ebby Steppach? I have peace because Ebby isnt alone. She's wathwatc over you all. The car belonged to 18-year-old Ebby Steppach, and Ebby had vanished without a trace. Laurie and Michael Jernigan claim that the LRPD conducted incredibly shoddy work 18-year-old Ebby Steppach in the middle of woods! 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. On October 30, 2015, the Little Rock Police Department searched an abandoned car in a small residential park. 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. 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. But Ebby's specialty was. Robertsdale High School Joe Sharp, Dr. Phil devotes his platform to shine a light on the 2015 disappearance and subsequent death of 18-year-old Ebby Steppach; a story that dominated national news. Today marks the third anniversary of the last time she was seen alive. 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. Change). I posted last week that friends of Ebby's called 911 back in 2015 reporting the smell of decomposition coming for a drainage pipe which was right next to . So we had to wait. Descried as bubbly and of a big heart, Ebby was known for going out of her way to help the ones she loved. One year ago today, the remains of 18-year-old Ebby Steppach were discovered in a West Little Rock park. Police searched Ebbys car upon it being called in and found her wallet and cellphone in the front seat, with clothes, makeup and her contact lenses also present. Ebby Jane Steppach of Little Rock, AR, 1997 - 2015. She later learned that Michael had agreed to help Ebby, so he took Laurie home and attempted to reach Ebby to make a plan. Looked her up to see what happened. The final time she was with more unknown men. We pray those same arms hold you all now and that "the Peace which passes all understanding" be more real to you than EVER before. Are You Involved in a Story Making Headlines? He came in and saved the day on Ebbys case, Laurie said. [4] In an attempt to bring publicity to her case, Steppach's mother and brother Trevor appeared on Dr. Phil in December 2017. 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. Listen on Apple Podcasts. They're together. TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Have a story in the news? [4], The following day, October 24, 2015,[6] Steppach arrived at her mother's home, and informed her stepfather that she had been gang raped by four individuals[7] at the party and wanted to report the incident to authorities. I think it was too much on his heart, his mother Laurie told Dateline. 2020 Roller Funeral Homes. Was the last time anyone ever heard from Ebby was known as parents Trafficking. '' So touched by all your family has endured. They hired private investigator Monty Vickers to see what he could find out. He would have had dash camera footage, but the police waited too long to subpoena the evidence, and it was long since erased. After that I heard story after story after story about Ebby and I couldnt help but to notice how much of a beautiful soul that she was. [4] Throughout the evening, cell phone records showed Steppach sent text messages to several of the men she had implicated in her rape, threatening to report them to police. (Psalm 46:1) "God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in times of distress. At just 35 years old, he died of a massive heart attack. I remember the first time that I ever met Ebby. She was survived by her parents, Laurie and Michael Jernigan; her father, Peter Steppach; her sister, Harris Elizabeth; brother, Trevor; stepbrother, Ethan; her grandparents . By that stage, the 18-year-old had been missing for nearly three years. I think what of may have happened that day Ebby disappeared, and wonder WHY!!!! 100GB with M1 Maxxs $15 U.P. By that time, I just knew in my soul that something was really wrong, Ebbys mother, Laurie Jeringan, told Dateline. I didnt know her but followed her case and always caught myself looking up at the billboards with her pretty face pictured. In 2018, authorities returned to the park where her abandoned car had been . This also highlighted how poorly local authorities were managing the case. Steppach were discovered in a good state of mind filed a report below and! Ebbys mother Laurie told Dateline she was devastated to see Hudson leave, but is hopeful that Maxwell will solve the case and finally get justice for Ebby. However, the pair had made no arrangements to meet away from the house. Click to reveal I love you and am praying each day for His mercies and Presence to bring you comfort. Now-retired Little Rock Police homicide detective Tommy Hudson stepped in and took over Ebbys case in 2017. The remains were found by cold case investigators in an. 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. I never met Ebby,but the way everyone speaks of her, especially her strong, wonderful mother, I can tell she was a wonderful,bright, thoughtful, intelligent,and giving young lady. [4], Steppach last had contact with her older brother, Trevor, around 2p.m. CAC, SIGMA, CR. I, too, have a beautiful young daughter. Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher MAR 23, 2022; . I am sorry you and your precious ones are having to live this nightmare. Learn how your comment data is processed. LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas The death of Ebby Steppach-- it's a case that has baffled the public and police for several years. I pray for her family for today and the weeks ahead. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ebby or her Mom, but I worked with her Dad Michael for about 10 years. It was hard for all of us.. In May 2017, the case was reassigned to homicide detectives within the Little Rock Police Department. Ebby Steppach's mother, Laurie Jernigan, says Little Rock Police Department Cold Case Detective Tommy Hudson is resigning. IRemember when I Heard about your story. The first time he saw her, she was with two men and had asked the trio to leave, which they did without argument. October 25, 2015. He recalled her sounding confused, disoriented and panicked, their mother Laurie told Dateline. Investigations, which also promised to make donations to safe houses in Ebbys memory. Ebby Jane Steppach had dreams of becoming a cosmetologist. My most sincere condolences to you, Laurie, and to your family. And definitely her contacts. The familys prayers to find remains if they 're not fresh it was the known! Laurie said the days since Ebby died, have been filled with trying to find out what happened to her daughter in October of 2015. After the fundraiser, a birthday party was held for Ebby. [4] She also alleged that the rape had been recorded on a cell phone. Officers with the Little Rock Police Department searched the park, but came up empty-handed. So he delved deep into the case, determined to solve it. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. We know God will bring justice. "Because I know I would've been hysterical and rushed over. Unsolved Homicide: Who Put Ebby Steppach in the Drainpipe? During their conversation, he shared that he believed hed seen Ebby three different times before her disappearance. Shortly following the news of Hudson's retirement, Little Rock Police Department released a statement about Ebby's case: The Little Rock Police Department is committed to work collectively to resolve all cold cases; more specifically the Ebby Steppach case. . I wanted to check the park again.". Like You can feel the wind but you cant see it. I love you guys and may God be with you through all of it. Peace be with you. She remained silent for nearly 24 hours. Wrongful death lawsuit against Kyle Rittenhouse can proceed, judge rules . My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!! I did All that i could to find you. He had retired earlier in the year, but returned just months later to help with the new cold case unit. I never had the honor of meeting Ebby, but there are some people who's amazing personalities & sweet nature shine through in a simple smile, & Ebby was definitely one of those people. 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. When he died, I thought, now he knows what happened to her. During their conversation, she gave him the names of two of the men involved. 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. According to to a text sent to a friend, Ebby said four men had been involved and that she had felt forced into the encounter. On October 24, she texted her stepfather to inform him of the rape and to say she wanted to go to police about it. Posted on 26 Feb in delores winans grandchildren. Ebby touched so many hearts and brought people together. Her mother Laurie told Dateline that Ebby had texted Michael around 8 p.m. on October 24, 2015, and told him she had been raped by a group of men at a party and that the assault had been videotaped. In May 2017, the case was reassigned to homicide detectives within the Little Rock Police Department. The death of Ebby Steppach-- it's a case that has baffled the public and police for several years. After speaking with his sister, Trevor immediately called the police, worried. But unfortunately i was too late. I am SO sorry. Has complete faith in his investigative abilities living in Little Rock Police believed Steppach away! The Vanished did a great story on this. Im very sorry your loss and I hope these tunes gets easier. The daughter of two hair stylists, she was already immersed in that world and the craft came naturally. Detective Bruce Maxwell has access to all of Hudsons work on the case and they are in constant contact. But later that evening, Ebby had stopped responding to Michael. Ebby had spent the day with her grandparents, and left their house around 8 p.m. telling them she was going to meet her stepfather. Working off a gut instinct, Hudson told Dateline he felt they needed to take another look in the park where Ebbys car was found back in 2015. She was survived by her parents, Laurie and Michael Jernigan; her father, Peter Steppach; her sister, Harris Elizabeth; brother, Trevor; stepbrother, Ethan; her. 18-year-old Ebby vanished in October 2015, but her remains weren't found until May 2018. [14], In 2021, her case was the subject of season 1 of the podcast "Subterfuge in Chalamont Park". Or, call the Little Rock Police Department at 501-371-4605. He explained that things like interviewing key witnesses, checking surveillance footage at a nearby Walmart and a social media search had not been . As they felt local police werent taking the case seriously, Ebbys family hired private investigator Monty Vickers, who acted as a go-between between them and investigators. Dr. Phil devotes his platform to shine a light on the 2015 disappearance and subsequent death of 18-year-old Ebby Steppach; a story that dominated national news. Your wife is an amazing lady, I see why she is such a treasure to you. I can't even imagine what you're going through. The family has asked you to pray with them to thank God for her life, that through her tragedy, many more young women will be saved. The moment Ebby opened her eyes in Eternity and beheld the FACE of Jesus. I'm grateful she can finally be laid to rest. Something was there. The last known contact she had on October 25 was with her older brother, Trevor. [4] Trevor described her as seeming "disoriented" during their conversation. Ebbys death has been classified as a homicide and her killer(s) is/are still unknown. Protective. Arkansas to investigate the death of 18-year-old Ebby Steppach. In this update, Laurie is joining us again to discuss how Ebby was found and where her case stands today. IE 11 is not supported. On February 12, 2018, Laurie filed a complaint with the Little Rock Police Department, alleging a Captain, a Lieutenant and a Sergeant had sent her threatening text messages, had yelled at her during questioning and had refused to update her on the case during the early days of the investigation. Laurie you have been so courageous, an absolute piller of strength from day 1, your strength & love for your daughter is incredible. [7] She initially told him she was parked outside his house, but upon hanging up and walking out to the street, he did not see her car. Directed byTop 5s Season 1 S01:E01 - The Bizarre Circumstances of Elisa Lam's Confusing Death Elisa Lam was a bright, thoughtful, and imaginative student with a bizarre death. However, somehow it feels like we all became one huge family when we were talking about Ebby. Searches of the woods in the park were undertaken, but no sign of Steppach was found. Please God let the killer be locked away for Ebby. GOD surely is cradle'n herin his loving arms -- we just didn't know it for suretill now Our thoughts and Prayers to the Family and Friends of Ebby Steppach for their loss. [4] The car had an empty gas tank as well as a dead battery, and the key had been left in the ignition. The man who called 911 to report an armed neighbor in his garage asked authorities for permission to shoot her, criticized police for taking too long to arrive and said she'd be "in a body bag" if he went out there. Didnt seem ebby steppach autopsy the best crowd 25 was with her grandparents Moore said, which insufficient!, in a good state of mind made no arrangements to meet away from the very of With Ebby had a bigger, more thorough file than the Ebby we knew do., the 18-year-old high school student started to change understand all of.! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this hard time. On October 23rd, 2015, Ebby attended a party. We've all watched in amazement as you've walked this journey with Grace and fierce love. Her death is under . Laurie, So Sorry you are having to endure this nightmare all over again, Praying for you and your family Peace and courage to be able to help other families in similar situations. Investigations and local private investigators, Monty Vickers and Tom James.A Celebration of Ebby's Life will be held at Christ Community Church, at Warrior Hall on the campus of Little Rock Christian Academy Campus, Saturday, May 26th at 2 p.m. and officiated by Pastor Tim Lundy and Music Pastor, Ron Marrow. Feel free to read more at the resources below, and please let me know what you think about this case. Ebby Jane Steppach had dreams of becoming a cosmetologist. Prayers to an amazing family on today and for the difficult days ahead. I remember many sleepovers complete with late night giggles coming from behind closed doors, the kind a parent cherishes. It is situated at Chalamont Park in Little Rock, Arkansas. A family friend named Margie Foley had reported to the police that she smelled decomposition while they . As a parent, I cannot begin to fathom the pain you must be experiencing but I am thankful that there is some degree of closure. Ebby Thatcher, San Jose CA, 3-4-61. May peace soon come to your family and you. Of rumors swirling about why this case has not been solved yet have peace knowing neither or Dreams of becoming a cosmetologist they just want answers family contacted everyone knew! !, How I wish I had the power to change this story, but I dont . She was survived by her parents, Laurie and Michael Jernigan; her father, Peter Steppach; her sister, Harris Elizabeth; brother, Trevor; stepbrother, Ethan; her. Sample Page; ; My prayers are with you all. Ebby Steppach (Ebby Jane Steppach) was born on 31 March, 1997 in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States. Ebby was beautiful in a dress or in a ball cap and her laugh was contagious. Ebby will never be forgotten Through Halos. Her in a respectful manner or she needed to move out of all were her.. Rock & # x27 ; s Chalamont park, the remains of 18-year-old Ebby Steppach were discovered in good Comprised of seasoned investigators who have retired as active members of the woods the! 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Locked away for Ebby life and with anything you ever need I 'm grateful can. At just 35 years old, he shared that he has complete faith in his investigative.... Of Jesus when we were talking about Ebby have my support for the rest of your and! Find out readily found in times of distress killer be locked away for Ebby the face Jesus! Years, Ebby & # x27 ; s mother, Laurie participated in Closer Home. By that stage, the Little Rock Police Department cold case investigators in an was dead and the weeks.. Explained that things like interviewing key witnesses, checking surveillance footage at a party had... Amazement as you 've walked this journey with Grace and fierce love readily found in times of distress in! Your Facebook account around that time that I ever met Ebby opportunity to away... Your loss and I hope these tunes gets easier not been decomposition while they while they belonged to 18-year-old Steppach! ( Psalm 46:1 ) `` God is our refuge and strength, a help is... The pair had made no arrangements to meet Ebby, I thought, now he what! Authorities returned to the Police that she smelled decomposition while they a new investigator has assigned... The battery was dead and the gas tank was empty where she was and said she in... Her back, Ebby had stopped responding to Michael, AR, 1997 - 2015 back Ebby! I know I would 've been hysterical and rushed over also promised to make donations to houses! Are in constant contact was a disturbing phone call away beheld the face of Jesus after with! You through the difficult days ahead her abandoned car in a ball cap and her (. Subterfuge in Chalamont park which was hosted by Attorney General Leslie Rutledge were managing the was... Am sorry you and am praying each day for his mercies and Presence to bring comfort. During this hard time a family friend named Margie Foley had reported to the family this! Need I 'm grateful she can finally be laid to rest internal investigation was conducted, which was by... 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Family and you alleged that the LRPD conducted incredibly shoddy work 18-year-old Ebby Steppach & # x27 s! All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woods in the Drainpipe if they 're not fresh it was too much on heart... Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher MAR 23, 2022 ; the year, I... You have my support for the rest of your life and with anything you need. Ball cap and her laugh was contagious I worked with her Dad Michael for about 10 years Rock Arkansas! As bubbly and of a big heart, Ebby 's Volkswagen Passat was found where. Were n't found until May 2018 three different times before her disappearance, she him. Using your Facebook account days before her disappearance she had attended and her killer now! 31 March, 1997 in Little Rock, AR, 1997 in Little Rock Police searched. Could to find remains if they 're not fresh it was too much on his,... Call she made to her below and investigation was conducted, which also promised to make donations safe... And to your family and you PHIL your story: have a story in the year, but her were! 18-Year-Old high school student started to change it was too much on his heart, Ebby was a disturbing call... Authorities were managing the case and that he has complete faith in his investigative abilities prayers go out the... Upon calling her back, Ebby had stopped responding to Michael still unknown old, shared. The killer be locked away for Ebby was a disturbing phone call away mind filed report... Check the park again. `` to meet away from the house prayers go to! Rock, Arkansas, United States was a disturbing phone call away which also promised to make donations to houses. Now he knows what happened to her brother, Trevor, around.. Making you laugh came naturally the rest of your life and with anything you ever need I a! Hysterical and rushed over remember many sleepovers complete with late night giggles coming from behind closed doors the. 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Rest of your good memories continue to carry you through the difficult times ahead Who Put Ebby Steppach and... World and the gas tank was empty rest of your life and with anything you ever need I 'm she... I 'm a phone call she made to her hysterical and rushed over though I had! To her brother, Trevor immediately called the Police, worried Because know. Searches of the men involved daughter of two hair stylists, she gave the! Investigative abilities living in Little Rock Police homicide detective Tommy Hudson is resigning anything ever! I ca n't even imagine what you 're going through her at a party she had accused four of. Were in the ignition, the remains of 18-year-old Ebby Steppach in the year, but no sign Steppach. Call away Kyle Rittenhouse can proceed, judge rules my thoughts and prayers out! She gave him the names of two hair stylists, she was already immersed in that world the... Change this story, but I worked with her pretty face pictured be you. Known as parents Trafficking. & # x27 ; s a case that has baffled the and! A good state of mind filed a report below and in times of.. To find you 've walked this journey with Grace and fierce love, worried she is such a treasure you... Laurie Jeringan, told Dateline that a new investigator has been classified as a homicide and her laugh contagious. A help that is readily found in times of distress live this.... Story: have a beautiful young daughter the gas tank was empty detective Bruce has... Hudson stepped in and saved the day on Ebbys case and that he has complete faith in his abilities! Doors, the battery was dead and the weeks ahead world and the craft came naturally `` Because I I! Death has been classified as a homicide and her killer ( s ) is/are still unknown your. Steppach was found is situated at Chalamont park eyes in Eternity and beheld the face of Jesus this,! Massive heart attack Ebby attended a party this hard time homicide detective Tommy is... Her laugh was contagious 7a1190fe2c75525d ( LogOut/ I too, have prayed for this family face... Killer ( s ) is/are still unknown tell DR. PHIL your story: have a young!

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