The Full Pladl Case Timeline: from 2016 Family Reunion to the Fatal 2018 Tragedy
By Alexander Ross
During the spring of 2017, Alyssa discovered the full extent of Steven’s grooming. Reading entries in her younger daughter's journal, Alyssa learned that Katie was pregnant. When Alyssa contacted Steven to demand an explanation, he openly admitted that he was the father, claimed they were in love, and announced his intention to marry Katie once his divorce finalized.
To bypass North Carolina and Virginia marriage statutes, Steven and Katie traveled to Cecil County, Maryland, in July 2017. Steven submitted an application omitting their biological ties. The county issued a marriage certificate without flags, as the couple did not share the same legal surname on Katie's updated paperwork. Steven even held an outdoor wedding celebration with family members present, forcing his younger children to refer to their biological sister Katie as their "stepmother."
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
