On Jan. 12, 2020, Shea Briar was found shot on a rural bridge in Jay County, Indiana. Prosecutors say his ex-fiancée, Esther "E.J." Stephen, orchestrated the killing with the help of former player Shelby Hiestand, who admitted to firing the fatal shot; Hannah Knapke later pleaded to manslaughter. E.J. and Shelby were convicted and each received 55-year prison terms; Hannah received a reduced sentence under a plea deal. Key evidence included phone records, witness testimony, recorded interrogations and a test-firing of a rifle.
Coach And Former Player Convicted In Shea Briar Murder After Paternity Dispute
On Jan. 11, 2020, Shea Briar was found on a rural bridge in Jay County, Indiana, clinging to life with a bullet through his heart. / Credit: Tracy Hoevel
On the morning of Jan. 12, 2020, Pastor Angela Smiley grew worried when 31-year-old Shea Briar failed to appear at his church in Jay County, Indiana. Within hours investigators discovered Briar had been shot on a rural bridge and later died from his injuries.
Investigators Say The Killing Was Planned. Police quickly focused on Briar's ex-fiancée, Esther Jane "E.J." Stephen — a local high school softball coach and daycare operator — after phone records, witness accounts and subsequent interviews suggested she had been the last person to speak with Briar that night. Detectives say E.J. recruited two acquaintances: former player and assistant coach Shelby Hiestand, who later admitted she fired the fatal shot, and Hannah Knapke, who acknowledged taking part and later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge.
Background
Briar, originally from Indiana and raised in Hawaii, had served in the Navy and returned to Jay County to raise a family. He and E.J. had a daughter born in January 2019; the couple became engaged but the engagement was called off weeks before the planned wedding. In November 2019 Briar filed to establish paternity and seek custody and visitation — a move prosecutors say motivated E.J.'s conduct.
Key Evidence And Arrests
According to investigators, crucial evidence included phone records placing E.J. in contact with Briar shortly before he was found, witness testimony describing prior threats and discussions about harming him, a recorded test-firing of a rifle in a church parking lot, and admissions made to detectives. A friend, Kristi Sibray, told police she had overheard alarming conversations in the months before the shooting and provided investigators with details that helped prompt further questioning.
Confessions, Trials And Sentencing
After interrogation, E.J. described events that night and admitted disposing of Briar's phone in a creek; Shelby Hiestand later confessed to pulling the trigger. All three women were arrested. In March and August 2021, E.J. Stephen and Shelby Hiestand were each convicted of murder and sentenced to 55 years in prison. Hannah Knapke pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in September 2021 in exchange for a shorter term and could be eligible for release as early as July 2026.
Aftermath
Shea Briar's daughter is in the custody of E.J.'s family, with periodic visitation granted to Briar's relatives. For Briar's family, the convictions brought relief but not closure. They continue to grieve and remember him as a son and father who wanted to be present in his child's life.
Note: This account summarizes the investigation, court proceedings and sentencing based on law-enforcement statements, recorded interrogations and trial testimony.
Shea Briar, left, and E.J. Stephen
E.J. Stephen, left and Shelby Hiestand / Credit: Jay County High School yearbook
At her second interview with detectives, E.J. Stephen reveals what she says happened on the night of Jan. 11, 2020. / Credit: Jay County Sheriff's Office
From left, Shelby Hiestand, E.J. Stephen and Hannah Knapke. / Credit: Jay County High School yearbook/Instagram
Shelby Hiestand, left, E.J. Stephen, center, and Hannah Knapke were all charged with murder. / Credit: Jay County Sheriff's Office
Dashcam video shows officers responding to a 911 call about a man in the roadway.
In November 2019, Shea Briar filed a court document seeking to
After initially denying involvement in Shea Briar's murder, E.J. Stephen and Shelby Hiestand, pictured, both admitted they took Briar to that rural road and that Hiestand shot him in the back. Hiestand told detectives she blacked out then fired the gun at Briar. / Credit: Jay County Sheriff's Office
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