In 2018, Ildiko Krajnyak lost her life in a bomb explosion at her day spa in California. Years later, her ex-boyfriend and business partner, Stephen Beal, was found responsible.
Ildiko Krajnyak, a mother and skin care expert, was killed in May 2018 when a bomb exploded at her spa in Aliso Viejo, California. Two other people were hurt in the blast. Beal, who had a past tragedy of his wife’s death, was arrested in connection with the explosion.
Beal was found guilty of several serious crimes related to the bombing. In January 2024, he received a life sentence plus 30 years in prison for making and planting the bomb.
The story of Krajnyak’s death was featured on NBC’s “Dateline” in an episode titled “Death at the Spa.”
Ildiko Krajnyak and Stephen Beal were once in a relationship and business partners, but they had disagreements about money. They met through a dating app and decided to open a day spa together. However, their relationship ended, but they remained business partners.
In May 2018, a bomb exploded at the day spa, killing Krajnyak and injuring two clients. One of the injured clients mentioned that she saw Krajnyak opening a package just before the explosion. The explosion caused serious injuries to the survivors.
After the explosion, Beal was arrested but later released. However, he was arrested again in March 2019 in connection with the bombing.
In July 2023, Beal was found guilty of using a weapon of mass destruction, destroying a building, and possessing an unregistered destructive device. Text messages revealed Beal’s anxiety about Krajnyak potentially leaving him.
In January 2024, Beal was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years for his role in the bombing. The judge described the crime as “cold” and “calculated.” The U.S. Attorney stated that Beal’s actions showed a disregard for human life and that the sentence sends a message that such violence will not be tolerated.
