London, England – The brother of a woman who was tragically murdered by her obsessed housemate is speaking out for the first time about his beloved sister. Last week, Sheldon Rodrigues, 30, was found guilty of the murder of 39-year-old Stephanie Hansen after a trial at the Old Bailey.
Hansen’s body was discovered on New Year’s Eve 2022, with multiple stab wounds, sparking shock and devastation among her family and friends. Speaking about his sister, Scott Peden, 31, described Stephanie as a loving and compassionate woman, deeply involved in community service and environmental causes.
Stephanie’s family had always regarded Rodrigues as “quiet and harmless,” never suspecting his dangerous obsession with her. According to Scott, Rodrigues often displayed signs of infatuation with Stephanie, but the family could never have imagined the extent of his harmful intentions.
Stephanie, who was raised in West London, was described by Scott as a protective and independent woman who devoted much of her spare time to volunteering and community initiatives. She had plans to start a new relationship and move away from London in the hopes of starting a family, but tragically, these plans became the catalyst for the violent attack that claimed her life.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Stephanie’s family not only had to endure the shock and grief of her murder but also faced a second tragedy when Scott’s partner and two children died in a house fire last summer. The harrowing details of Stephanie’s murder, coupled with the devastating loss of Scott’s family, have left them all reeling with pain and grief.
Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Rodrigues’ obsession with Stephanie had been ongoing for several years, leading to a series of disturbing and threatening actions. The guilty verdict brought some sense of closure to the family, but they acknowledge that nothing can bring back their beloved Stephanie. The investigation and legal process have reinforced the urgent need to hold perpetrators of violence against women accountable.
In the face of such unimaginable tragedy, Stephanie’s family is now seeking to raise awareness about the warning signs of dangerous obsessions and domestic violence. Their hope is to prevent others from experiencing the same heart-wrenching loss they have endured.