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Fiancée and Coach Charged in Murder of Shea Briar

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 12, 2020, Shea Briar, 31, was found shot on a rural Jay County road and died of a heart wound.
An investigation tied Briar's former fiancée, E.J. Stephen, and her assistant coach, Shelby Hiestand, to the shooting.
Kristi Sibray, an acquaintance, said Stephen expressed frustration over Briar gaining visitation rights.
Stephen and Hiestand were arrested for murder and pleaded not guilty, with Stephen blaming Hiestand during the trial.

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Story summary

On January 12, 2020, Shea Briar, 31, was found shot on a rural Jay County road and died of a heart wound.
An investigation tied Briar's former fiancée, E.J. Stephen, and her assistant coach, Shelby Hiestand, to the shooting.
Kristi Sibray, an acquaintance, said Stephen expressed frustration over Briar gaining visitation rights.
Stephen and Hiestand were arrested for murder and pleaded not guilty, with Stephen blaming Hiestand during the trial.