On January 12, 2020, 31-year-old Shea Briar was discovered critically injured on a remote road in Jay County, Indiana. First responders found him unable to communicate, and upon reaching the hospital, doctors identified a bullet wound that had fatally struck his heart.
Investigation into Shea Briar’s Murder
Shortly after the incident, police initiated an extensive investigation. The case took a turn when Kristi Sibray, an acquaintance of Briar’s ex-fiancée, contacted law enforcement. Sibray previously worked as a police officer and disclosed that Esther Jane “E.J.” Stephen, Briar’s former partner and a high school softball coach, had led her to believe there were issues in their relationship.
Details of the Relationship
Shea Briar and E.J. Stephen shared a daughter. Following their broken engagement, Briar sought court-ordered parenting time to ensure he could support his child. However, it was reported that Stephen was not receptive to this arrangement, expressing her unwillingness to share custody.
- Shea Briar was 31 years old at the time of his death.
- E.J. Stephen was 29 years old and served as a softball coach.
- The couple had a young daughter together.
Suspicious Conversations and Allegations
According to Sibray, in the months prior to the murder, Stephen confided in her about wanting to resolve her frustrations regarding Briar. Initially perceiving Stephen’s conversations as mere venting, Sibray later recalled as discussions became more sinister, including talk about ways to harm Briar.
Sibray revealed that Stephen and her assistant coach, 19-year-old Shelby Hiestand, mentioned spiking Briar’s tea with crushed ibuprofen. Despite Briar consuming the drink, no adverse effects were reported at that time. Following Briar’s murder, Sibray reevaluated these discussions, realizing they were more serious than she had previously thought.
Arrests and Court Proceedings
Detectives soon brought both Stephen and Hiestand in for questioning. Initially denying their involvement, both women ultimately confessed to taking Briar to the rural location where he was shot. Hiestand claimed to have blacked out and fired the weapon.
- Both women were charged with murder.
- They pled not guilty.
- During her trial, Stephen shifted the blame onto Hiestand.
Stephen insisted she had no motive for wanting Briar deceased. She claimed that any notion of putting pills in his drink was merely Hiestand’s idea, which she believed was an innocent act, likening it to a chemistry experiment.
Public Interest and Future Coverage
The case surrounding Shea Briar’s death has garnered significant attention. Investigative reports are expected to delve deeper into the motives and circumstances leading to this tragic event. The show “48 Hours” will air a special segment titled “Coached to Kill” on January 3, 2026, shedding more light on the details.
