On January 12, 2020, 31-year-old Shea Briar was found injured on a rural road in Jay County, Indiana. Medical personnel discovered a bullet wound in his back. Briar subsequently died at the hospital.
Investigation and Arrests
The Jay County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into Briar's death. Detectives received information from Kristi Sibray, an acquaintance of Briar's former fiancée, 29-year-old Esther Jane Stephen. Stephen, known as E.J., was a local high school softball coach and shared a daughter with Briar. Sibray stated that in the months prior to Briar's death, Stephen and her assistant coach, 19-year-old Shelby Hiestand, had confided in her about issues Stephen was experiencing with Briar.
According to Sibray, Stephen had expressed dissatisfaction regarding Briar's court petition to establish parenting time for their daughter. Sibray reported that Stephen discussed methods to eliminate Briar. Sibray also claimed that Stephen and Hiestand told her they had previously attempted to incapacitate Briar by placing crushed ibuprofen in his tea, which he consumed without adverse effects. Sibray initially perceived these discussions as venting.
Following these statements, detectives questioned Stephen and Hiestand. Both individuals admitted to transporting Briar to the rural road where Hiestand shot him in the back. Hiestand stated she "blacked out then fired the gun" at Briar. Stephen and Hiestand were arrested and charged with murder. Both pleaded not guilty.
Trial and Defense
During her trial, Esther Jane Stephen testified, denying responsibility for Briar's death and attributing the act to Hiestand. Stephen maintained she had no motive to desire Briar's death. Regarding the alleged incident involving pills in Briar's drink, Stephen testified that it was Hiestand's idea and that she participated believing it to be an "innocent chemistry experiment."