215: 18-Year-Old Vanishes After Accusing 4 Men of Assaulting & Filming Her | Who Killed Ebby Steppach?
Serialously with Annie Elise
Deep Dive
Why did Ebby Steppach's behavior change drastically before her disappearance?
Ebby started hanging out with a new crowd that involved drinking and drugs, leading to her moving out of her parents' house and couch surfing with friends.
What was the significant event that occurred just before Ebby went missing?
Ebby was raped by four men, and she believed the assault was videotaped on a cell phone.
How did the police initially respond to Ebby's disappearance?
The police treated her case as a likely runaway incident and did not take immediate action, even after her car was found.
What evidence was found in Ebby's car when it was discovered?
Her car was found out of gas, with a dead battery, and keys in the ignition. Her phone, purse, medication, and scattered makeup were also found inside.
Why did Ebby's family feel frustrated with the police investigation?
The family felt the police were not taking the case seriously, mismanaged evidence, and did not follow up on crucial leads, such as the smell of decomposition reported by a family friend.
What significant break occurred in the case in 2018?
Ebby's skeletal remains were found in a storm drain pipe at Chalamont Park, just feet away from where her car was found.
What did the discovery of Ebby's remains reveal about the police's initial investigation?
The discovery highlighted numerous missed opportunities and errors in the initial investigation, including the failure to properly search the park and follow up on reported smells of decomposition.
What did Ebby's Google searches reveal about her state of mind before her disappearance?
Ebby searched for a friend's address, 'American Horror Story,' 'I was recorded without my consent,' and 'how to file a police report,' indicating she was seeking help and planning to report the assault.
Why did the police consider the possibility that Ebby committed suicide in the drainpipe?
The police theorized that Ebby drove to the park, lifted the manhole cover, climbed down the ladder, and crawled into the pipe, despite the physical improbability and lack of evidence supporting this theory.
What is the current status of the investigation into Ebby's death?
The case remains unsolved, with no official suspects or arrests. The investigation is ongoing, but no solid leads have surfaced as of yet.
- Ebby started partying more and staying out late past curfew.
- She moved out of her parents' house and started couch surfing.
- Ebby's new job at a local Footlocker and new friends contributed to her changing behavior.
Shownotes Transcript