Bio

Steven F. Sueppel was born on August 13, 1965, in Iowa City, Iowa. He was the son of William and Patricia Tierney Sueppel. Steven grew up in a family that was well-known in their community. His father was a partner at a local law firm, and his brother also became an attorney. Steven attended Regina High School, where he graduated in 1983. He later went on to study at the University of Northern Iowa and completed his education there.

Steven married Sheryl, who was also from Iowa City, on June 16, 1990. The couple became members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, which was significant to their lives as they were married there and had their children baptized in the same church. They adopted four children from South Korea: Ethan, Seth, Mira, and Eleanor. Their family was described as loving and caring, often seen engaging with their community.

Sheryl worked as a teacher in the Iowa City school district before leaving her job to focus on raising their children. She later returned to work as the education and training coordinator at a child care resource office. The couple was actively involved in charitable activities, supporting various community causes.

In the years leading up to 2008, Steven experienced significant stress in his life. He worked as a vice president at Hills Bank and Trust and faced serious legal troubles. He was accused of embezzling a large sum of money from the bank and had pleaded not guilty to the charges. His trial was set for April 2008, but before that could take place, tragic events would unfold around him and his family.

Murder Story

On March 23, 2008, Steven Sueppel killed his wife, Sheryl, and their four adopted children in their home in Iowa City, Iowa. 

The victims were Ethan, 10; Seth, 8; Mira, 6; and Eleanor, 3. Evidence suggests that Steven first attacked Sheryl using a baseball bat.

After killing her, he moved the children to the garage, where he attempted to asphyxiate them with carbon monoxide from their minivan. When this did not succeed, he returned into the house and bludgeoned each child to death with the bat.

After the murders, Steven drove the minivan from the home and headed towards the Iowa River. He attempted to drown himself but was unable to do so. Shortly after this, Steven called 911 from his cellphone to direct emergency responders to his home. The call was short and disconnected without identifying him.

In the early morning of March 24, he crashed the minivan into a concrete pillar on Interstate 80 at high speed, resulting in a fiery explosion.

He died from the injuries sustained in the crash and was later identified through dental records. The police discovered the bodies of Sheryl and the children later that morning, around 6:45 AM.