In a retrial that concluded Wednesday, a Southern California man was found guilty of the 2018 bombing of his ex-girlfriend's spa, resulting in her death and injuries to two clients. Stephen Beal, 64, of Long Beach, faces a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of life in prison for the heinous act. Sentencing is scheduled for November.

The devastating explosion occurred on May 15, 2018, at the Aliso Viejo spa owned by 48-year-old Ildiko Krajnyak. Beal, driven by jealousy over Krajnyak's new relationship after their breakup, crafted a homemade bomb concealed within a cardboard box and delivered it to the spa. The bomb detonated when Krajnyak opened the package, killing her instantly and injuring a mother and daughter who were clients at the spa. The force of the explosion caused significant damage to the building, scattering debris and even body parts into the parking lot.

Following the bombing, a search of Beal's residence uncovered a staggering 130 pounds of explosive materials and precursor chemicals. Investigators linked these chemicals to the bomb used in the attack, further solidifying Beal's guilt. His background in building high-powered model rockets and pyrotechnics provided him with the dangerous knowledge to construct the deadly device. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada described Beal as a "jilted lover" who sought to "obliterate his ex-girlfriend" after their relationship ended.

The jury convicted Beal on four felony counts, including use of a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death, malicious destruction of a building resulting in death, use of a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. The first trial resulted in a mistrial due to a hung jury. This verdict brings a measure of closure to the victims' families and the community impacted by this tragic act of violence.