Evidence From OC Bombing Scene Tied To Victim's Ex: FBI

ALISO VIEJO, CA — Nearly a year after federal agents released a Long Beach actor arrested in connection with a package bomb that killed his ex girlfriend at her Aliso Viejo spa, police arrested him again, citing 1,000 pieces of evidence and the curious journey of a small battery that made its way from China to the scene of the murder.

Stephen Beal, 59, was taken into custody Sunday without incident at an ATM near his home. Authorities have not yet released the charges, but they did outline the painstaking investigation that allegedly ties Beal to the bombing death of Trabuco Canyon resident Ildiko Krajnyak at her Aliso Viejo business last year.

Though Beal was originally arrested and charged for having the means to create such a bomb in May of 2018, his "hobby" of model rocket building initially "explained that original charge away," according to FBI investigators at a press conference held Monday. After a 10-month long investigation, including video surveillance, interviews and extensive search of over 1,000 pieces of evidence, the "very powerful package bomb" left behind crucial evidence, namely the lithium-ion battery and wiring, both of which left behind chemical traces that matched what was found inside Beal's vehicle.

"Chemicals found in Beal's new car were consistent with chemicals found at the crime scene," according to FBI investigator Paul Delacourt. "The forensic evidence was analyzed and pieced together into a coherent whole."

Investigators researching the scene found the package containing the bomb was "identical to a cardboard box found at Beal's home," and that days before the blast video footage showed Beal was at the spa and was one of few with access to that building, Delacourt said.

The bomb exploded as Krajnyak opened a cardboard box, killing her immediately and severely injuring two clients who have each suffered "life-changing injuries," Delacourt said.

Bomb technicians also discovered the battery and wire found partially destroyed during the following investigation.

The battery had "specific characteristics" that allowed investigators to identify the port where it entered the United States from China, and where it was sent. Beal was found to have purchased a battery with cash near his Long Beach home, one week before the blast, according to Delacourt.

Though Beal initially identified himself as a "model rocket hobbyist," it had been some years since he had been active in that hobby," Delacourt said. "It was a hobby that Beal had not participated in since the purchase of his new vehicle," making Beal the "person that we believe is responsible for the explosion that killed Ms. Krajnyak and severely injured two others."

The criminal complaint unsealed upon his arrest will have to prove all allegations to see that Beal ends up with life in prison, no possibility of parole. Though Beal has been taken into custody, the search of his home and property is "ongoing," Delacourt said. "Our work will continue to ensure justice will be done."

He added:

"We would like to offer our personal condolences to victims and their families. We are doing everything possible to secure justice for those two victims who will live with physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives."

Orange County Sheriff's Department officials acknowledged the support from a community determined to see justice done.

"We have all been focused on one mission: to find the one person responsible for this shocking act of violence," Bob Peterson, Orange County Sheriff's Department Under-sheriff said. "We saw the community come together and support each other. We are appreciative of the care and patience the community has shown during this investigation."