A month-long investigation into a grisly scene on Oakwood Drive has culminated in an arrest. Stephanie Schiffl, 36, of Benton, surrendered to authorities at the Saline County Jail on Friday morning, facing charges of Murder in the First Degree.

The charges stem from a welfare check conducted by the Benton Police Department on the evening of April 14, 2026.

According to department records, officers arrived at the Oakwood Drive residence around 8:20 p.m. after receiving a call regarding a welfare concern. Upon arrival, police encountered Schiffl with visible blood on her head.

Concerned for the safety of others inside, officers entered the home and discovered the body of Joe Musteen, 56, in a bathroom. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Schiffl was also found to be suffering from significant lacerations to both arms. Officers and medical personnel provided immediate first aid before she was transported to a local hospital. She has since recovered from those injuries.

While Schiffl received medical treatment, detectives secured a search warrant for the property. Over the following weeks, investigators processed physical and forensic evidence that pointed toward a violent confrontation.

“Physical and forensic evidence collected at the scene indicated foul play,” the department stated in an official release.

A subsequent autopsy confirmed the department’s suspicions, officially ruling Musteen’s death a homicide.

Following the autopsy results and the processing of evidence, detectives obtained a warrant for Schiffl’s arrest. She turned herself in on May 15 and is currently being held at the Saline County Jail.

The Benton Police Department has noted that the investigation remains active and ongoing. They have not yet released a motive for the killing or clarified the nature of the relationship between Schiffl and Musteen.

Anyone with additional information regarding Incident# 2026-03565 is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department.