Benton, Arkansas – A woman is now facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of a Benton man, following a month-long investigation that began with a welfare check and ended with a homicide ruling and an arrest.
Authorities said the case started on April 14, 2026, when Benton Police Department officers were called to a home on Oakwood Drive around 8:20 p.m. after reports raised concern about the well-being of people inside the residence. What began as a routine response quickly escalated into a major criminal investigation.
When officers arrived at the home, they encountered 36-year-old Stephanie Schiffl, who had visible injuries. Reports noted she had “blood visible on her head.” Officers then entered the residence to ensure everyone inside was accounted for.
Inside, they discovered a far more serious scene. Police found 56-year-old Joe Musteen deceased in the bathroom of the home. Authorities also noted that Schiffl had lacerations on both of her arms. Emergency responders and paramedics provided immediate medical assistance to Schiffl before she was transported to a hospital for treatment.
At that stage, investigators had not yet determined exactly what had taken place inside the home. Detectives from the Benton Police Department later returned to the property and executed a search warrant as part of the ongoing investigation.
During that process, law enforcement collected physical and forensic evidence from the scene. Officials later said the findings pointed toward indications of foul play, prompting a deeper review of the circumstances surrounding Musteen’s death.
An autopsy was performed on the victim, and the results were critical in moving the case forward. Medical examiners ruled Musteen’s death a homicide, confirming that his death was the result of a criminal act rather than natural or accidental causes.
With that determination in hand, investigators moved forward with criminal charges. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Schiffl, charging her with first-degree murder in connection with Musteen’s death.
For several weeks, Schiffl was not in custody as the investigation continued and legal steps were finalized. That changed on May 15, when she voluntarily turned herself in to the Saline County Jail.
Authorities have not released additional details about what may have led to the violent incident inside the Oakwood Drive home, and the investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for court proceedings.
The case has drawn attention in Benton, a community where violent crimes of this nature are relatively uncommon. Residents have been left waiting for more answers as officials continue to piece together the sequence of events that led to Musteen’s death.
Court records are expected to provide further details as the case progresses through the legal system. Schiffl now faces the possibility of a serious prison sentence if convicted of first-degree murder, a charge reserved for the most severe homicide cases under Arkansas law.
For now, investigators are continuing to review evidence gathered from the home, while the formal prosecution process moves forward following her arrest and booking into the county jail.
