Serialously with Annie Elise - Episode 208: Night of Terror | Chased, Haunted & The Horrifying Case of Stephanie Pars

Release Date: October 28, 2024
Host: Annie Elise
Produced by: 10 to LIFE & Audioboom Studios

Introduction

In Episode 208 of "Serialously with Annie Elise," titled "Night of Terror | Chased, Haunted & The Horrifying Case of Stephanie Pars," host Annie Elise delves deep into the troubling and tragic disappearance of Stephanie Pars. Known for her engaging and conversational style, Annie meticulously unpacks the events leading up to Stephanie's disappearance, the ensuing investigation, and the profound impact on her family and community.

Background: Who Was Stephanie Pars?

Stephanie Pars, a 25-year-old makeup artist from Freehold Township, New Jersey, was a vibrant and talented individual with a passion for art and cars. She was a beloved member of her close-knit family, deeply connected with her sisters, and worked as a nanny, caring for a young girl she adored. Stephanie was also an active member of the New Jersey Misfits, a group of car enthusiasts, and had begun to gain a following on social media for her intricate makeup looks.

Ed Pars, Stephanie's father, described his daughter as a "4 foot 11 brunette firecracker with a huge passion for art." Stephanie dreamed of starting her own family and had been actively seeking a meaningful relationship.

The Disappearance: A Night to Remember

On October 30, 2019, Stephanie attended a psychic show at the Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick, NJ, accompanied by her mother, Charlene Pars, and her sisters. The evening appeared to be a perfect girls' night out, with no signs of anything amiss. However, Stephanie never returned home, failed to show up for her nanny job the next morning, and did not check in with her family as promised.

Charlene Pars recalled the last communication with Stephanie:

Charlene Pars [00:36]: "When did your daughter go missing? She Left me at 10 o'clock last night and I told her to text me or call me when she got home and nothing."

Concerned by the lack of response, Stephanie's parents visited her home to find peculiar signs: all lights were on, her dog was locked inside the bathroom, and her phone and car remained in the driveway. These anomalies raised immediate red flags, prompting the family to report Stephanie missing to the authorities.

Investigation: Enter John Osbiligian

The investigation quickly pointed to Stephanie's boyfriend, John Osbilian, a 29-year-old stockbroker who had recently moved to Freehold Township. At the time of their relationship's inception, John appeared to be a charming and caring partner, but red flags soon emerged. Electricity seemed to surge when Ed Pars interacted with John, highlighting his unsociable and detached nature.

Stephanie had filed a domestic violence report against John on October 31, 2019, after she was found barefoot, bleeding, and terrified near her home. She accused John of causing her injuries:

Annie Elise [Release Date]: "She gave him a one word answer about who did this to her, who made her run through the woods bleeding, barefoot, screaming and panicked for her life. Well, according to Stephanie, it was John."

John was subsequently arrested on unrelated charges after police discovered explicit child pornography on his phone. Despite the severity of these findings, John was released on bail after 11 days due to insufficient evidence directly linking him to Stephanie's disappearance.

John Osbilian's Arrest and Subsequent Suicide

On November 8, 2019, authorities arrested John Osbilian after uncovering disturbing images and searches related to child abuse. Despite these revelations, the legal system allowed John to post bail, citing that he was only a person of interest without concrete evidence against him. This decision incited frustration and despair within Stephanie's family, who believed John's release jeopardized their chances of finding Stephanie.

Tragically, three days after his release, John Osbilian was found dead in his home, having taken his own life. In his suicide notes, John expressed turmoil and hinted at his involvement, although he denied knowledge of the child pornography found on his phone:

Annie Elise [57:46]: "You don't know anything. Police can't tell you anything because they don't want to, you know, hamper the investigations. We don't know anything."

Discovery of Stephanie Pars

On January 22, 2020, nearly three months after Stephanie's disappearance, her remains were discovered by two teenagers walking along Route 9 in Old Bridge, New Jersey. The body, severely decomposed, indicated that Stephanie had likely died due to foul play. The cause of death was theorized to be linked to domestic violence, consistent with the abuse Stephanie had reported.

Aftermath: Seeking Justice and Closure

Following Stephanie's death, her family established the Stephanie Nicole Pars Foundation to support victims of domestic violence and missing persons. They also advocated for "Stephanie's Law," aiming to create a publicly accessible domestic violence registry to prevent similar tragedies.

Despite finding closure in discovering Stephanie's remains, her family continues to grapple with unanswered questions about John's role in her disappearance and death. The investigation remains incomplete, with lingering suspicions about the involvement of John's parents, who are now under scrutiny for potentially withholding critical information.

Annie Elise [62:44]: "I genuinely hope that you have somebody that you can reach out to if you ever need it."

Conclusion: Lessons and Reflections

Annie Elise concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of community support, vigilance, and proactive intervention in preventing domestic violence and supporting those in peril. Stephanie's story serves as a stark reminder of the need for systemic changes and continued advocacy to protect vulnerable individuals.

Notable Quotes

• Charlene Pars [00:36]: "When did your daughter go missing? She Left me at 10 o'clock last night and I told her to text me or call me when she got home and nothing."

• Annie Elise [07:59]: "This disheveled, bloody figure that was screaming and stumbling toward him was his own daughter, Stephanie. It was a haunting image that will be burned into his brain forever."

• John Osbilian [21:03]: "With the five dollar meal deal at McDonald's, you pick a McDouble, or a McChicken. Then get a small fry..."

• Annie Elise [36:28]: "It's absolutely disgusting, vile, pororing events, police found something they never expected to find on his phone."

• Annie Elise [55:34]: "This was an extremely somber day for us. It goes without saying that our family is devastated. Her friends, our community, and our lives are never going to be the same. However, Stephanie is home. She's coming home at last."

Impact and Legacy

Stephanie Pars's tragic story highlights the pervasive issue of domestic violence and the systemic challenges faced by families seeking justice. The establishment of the Stephanie Nicole Pars Foundation underscores the resilience of her family and their commitment to ensuring that no other families endure similar heartbreak. Through advocacy for legislative changes and community support, Stephanie's legacy continues to drive meaningful conversations and initiatives aimed at preventing future tragedies.

This summary encapsulates the key events and discussions from Episode 208 of "Serialously with Annie Elise," providing a comprehensive overview of Stephanie Pars's case for those unfamiliar with the podcast.