Steven Schap, a sergeant in the US Army, murdered his wife's lover, Gregory Glover, after discovering his wife Diane was pregnant with Gregory's child. The couple had a troubled marriage marked by multiple miscarriages and relocation to Germany. Diane sought a divorce, and Schap was devastated by the betrayal, especially as Gregory was a close friend. On December 7, 1993, Schap attacked Gregory with a knife on the army base, stabbing him multiple times and severing his head, which he then showed to Diane in the hospital. Schap was arrested, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter, and was sentenced to 45 years in prison. The case highlights the psychological impact of betrayal, suppressed emotions, and the tragic consequences of unresolved relationship conflicts.
Country: United States
State/Province: Florida, United States
City/Region:
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Married
Relationship Duration: Approximately 4 years (marriage)
Recorded context: Affair started / overlapping relationship
Relationship timing: During separation
Incident Date: Dec. 7, 1993
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
Approximately 4 years (marriage)
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
1993-12-07
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Emma Kenny - England · Original language: English
He CHOPPED his wife's lovers head off!
Jealousy
The case involves a marital breakdown triggered by infidelity and pregnancy with a romantic rival, leading to intense jealousy and a violent act of revenge by the husband against his wife's lover. The husband's suppressed emotions and rigid beliefs about marriage contributed to the escalation.
Multiple witnesses confirmed the attack. Schap confessed and was arrested without resistance. Evidence included witness testimony, the severed head, and relevant books found in Schap's quarters. The court-martial resulted in a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter with a 45-year sentence. Appeals upheld the sentence. Diane testified about marital issues and the affair. Medical staff testified about the incident at the hospital.
Conflicting narratives about premeditation exist; Schap claimed planning the killing, but evidence suggests a crime of passion. The prosecution argued premeditation based on books and statements, while defense emphasized sudden passion triggered by betrayal.
Steven Schap and Diane married after a brief courtship. Multiple miscarriages strained the marriage. Diane became lonely after relocating to Germany and began an affair with Gregory Glover. Diane sought divorce. Schap discovered the affair and pregnancy with Glover's child. On December 7, 1993, Schap murdered Glover on the army base, severed his head, and presented it to Diane in the hospital. Schap surrendered and was arrested. The case proceeded to court-martial with a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter.
High risk due to unresolved emotional distress, jealousy, and betrayal in a marital context, culminating in lethal violence.
Early emotional suppression and failure to address relationship problems can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Jealousy and betrayal in intimate relationships are potent triggers for violence. The case underscores the importance of communication and emotional processing in preventing escalation.
Diane's expressed desire for divorce, emotional distancing, and the discovery of the affair through the diary were key early signals.
The diary revealing infidelity, Diane's pregnancy with another man, and Schap's agitation and questioning about the affair were critical clues.
Witness testimony, the severed head, Schap's confession, and the discovery of relevant books in his quarters were strongest evidence.
Anthony Penny witnessed the attack and saw the severed head. Multiple witnesses confirmed Schap was on top of Glover during the stabbing. Doctors testified about the hospital incident and Schap's behavior.
No follow-up reports on Schap's release status were definitively available; some sources suggest release in 2017, but unconfirmed.
Exact timing and degree of premeditation remain disputed. Schap's current incarceration status is unclear.