Bio

Brian David Steckel was born on December 14, 1968. He grew up in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania. Not much is widely known about his early childhood, but there are reports of him facing challenges during his youth. Steckel suffered from emotional and mental problems as early as age 12. It has been mentioned that he experienced neglect and possible abuse as a child.

Steckel’s school life did not go well. He struggled academically and eventually dropped out before finishing high school. During his teenage years, he exhibited behavioral issues. He spent time in several juvenile facilities due to his conduct. Reports suggest that he did not maintain long-term employment, often moving between different jobs.

He is described as an imposing figure, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 195 pounds. He had a troubled relationship with alcohol and substance abuse, which escalated as he got older.

Steckel became a father and had a daughter. At the time of his crimes, he was a young father. Those close to him noticed he had an aggressive personality. Some expressed that he had fantasies of grandeur and sought attention in negative ways.

As he grew older, he continued to have run-ins with the law, mostly related to his violent behavior and struggles with alcohol. Before committing serious offenses, he often made comments that showed a propensity for violence, seeking to intimidate others.

Murder Story

On September 2, 1994, Brian David Steckel met Sandra Lee Long, a 29-year-old woman who lived in New Castle County, Delaware. He gained access to her apartment by asking to use her telephone. Once inside, he unplugged the phone and demanded sexual favors from her. When Sandra refused, Steckel became violent. He threw her onto a couch and attempted to strangle her using a pair of nylons. When that didn't work, he used a sock.

During the struggle, Sandra bit Steckel’s finger, leaving a mark that later would be important to the investigation. Steckel managed to strangle Sandra into unconsciousness. He then sexually assaulted her with a screwdriver he had brought with him, followed by raping her. Afterward, Steckel dragged her to the bedroom. There, he set her bed on fire along with other parts of the apartment.

After committing these acts, Steckel left and went to a friend's house for drinks. On the way, he passed by the burning apartment and showed signs of agitation when asked about his behavior. Upon passing the apartment, a call was made to The News Journal by a man claiming to be the "Driftwood Killer," where he also mentioned a new victim.

Hours later, Sandra Long died from smoke inhalation and severe burns after those who tried to rescue her were unable to reach her in time. Following the phone calls and investigation, authorities traced the calls connected to the “Driftwood Killer” back to Steckel. He was arrested on an outstanding harassment warrant related to calls he made to a woman whose name he mentioned in his call.

Once in custody, Steckel initially appeared intoxicated. However, the next morning he confessed to murdering Sandra Long in detail. His confession included specifics that matched evidence collected at the scene, including the discovery of the items he used to commit the crime. Evidence later confirmed that his blood was found at the crime scene.

In his trial, Steckel's behavior was alarming. He sent taunting letters to Sandra Long's family and even included copies of her autopsy report, cruelly noted with dismissive remarks. He was convicted of multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree murder. The jury recommended the death penalty, which was imposed in January 1997.

Steckel continued to insist he was responsible for other murders, claiming he had killed additional victims in various states, but law enforcement could not connect him to those cases. Regardless of the inconsistencies in his statements, he ultimately faced execution by lethal injection on November 4, 2005. His last meal included a cheesesteak, cole slaw, and Pepsi, and during his final statement, he expressed regret for his actions and professed a twisted sense of peace before he was executed.