LOS ANGELES – Stephen William Beal, 64, of Long Beach, has been sentenced to life imprisonment plus an additional 30 years for constructing and detonating a bomb at an Aliso Viejo day spa in May 2018. The explosion killed his ex-girlfriend, severely injured two clients, and caused extensive damage to the building.
United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton handed down the sentence after a jury found Beal guilty of multiple felonies in July 2023, including the use of a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death and malicious destruction of a building resulting in death.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Beal designed the bomb specifically to target Ildiko Krajnyak, the spa owner, and planted it in a package at her business. The explosion, which occurred on May 15, 2018, instantly killed Krajnyak and severely injured two of her clients, a mother and daughter. The survivors sustained critical injuries, including second- and third-degree burns, with one victim losing an eye.
A search of Beal’s residence uncovered over 130 pounds of explosive materials and devices, confirming his extensive experience in building rockets and pyrotechnics. Laboratory tests linked the chemicals used in the bomb to those found at his home. Additionally, security footage and purchase records traced Beal’s acquisition of components used in the bomb.
Beal kept surveillance on Krajnyak through her online schedule and social media and left the package bomb for her while she was abroad. He is scheduled for an April 12 hearing to determine the restitution amount for the bombing victims.
In a separate case, Beal awaits sentencing on February 23 for wire fraud, Social Security fraud, and concealment of bankruptcy assets, after pleading guilty in November 2023. He failed to report substantial funds from his late wife’s estate in a bankruptcy proceeding and fraudulently obtained over $1.3 million in insurance and Social Security benefits.