Who is Stephanie Carlquist?
A 31-year-old woman from Richmond, Kentucky, was arrested after allegedly destroying her ex-boyfriend’s car in a series of escalating attacks last month. Stephanie Carlquist, who is pregnant, was taken into custody on August 14 and charged with first-degree criminal mischief, a felony, according to local reports.
Authorities said Carlquist first slashed the car’s tires on July 6. Nine days later, on July 15, she allegedly returned and caused extensive damage, including breaking the windshield and mirrors, smashing the radio, pouring salt into the engine, and dumping glitter into the air-conditioning vents, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WECT.
Car Declared Totalled
The damaged vehicle was later towed to a Goodyear shop in Richmond, where mechanics determined it was beyond repair. Estimated damages exceeded $12,460, and the car was declared totalled.
A tow truck driver reported that Carlquist admitted to causing the destruction, saying she had “wrecked the car.” He then alerted the victim’s mother, according to Daily Mail.
Social Media Message and Police Interview
After the incident, Carlquist reportedly sent her ex-boyfriend an apology via Instagram, citing stress from her pregnancy.
When questioned by police, she admitted to smashing the windshield and putting glitter in the vents but denied some of the other allegations. She told officers that her ex was “overdue for oil and motor and everything else, oh, and the tire.”
Who Is Stephanie Carlquist?
According to her Facebook profile, Carlquist lives in Richmond and attended Scott County High School.
Viral Mugshot Draws Attention
Following her arrest, Carlquist was booked into the Madison County Detention Center, where she posed for a mugshot. Instead of appearing remorseful, she smiled broadly, a detail that quickly went viral online.
On social media, reactions were mixed.
- “Congratulations to her for having the courage to do what a lot of us wanted to do. Give me her information so I can send her some money,” one Instagram user commented.
- Another added, “That smile says she would do it again, too.”
- A different user wrote, “Let’s all pitch in and bail her out! I know he must have triggered her.”
