North Dakota Woman Charged with Murder for Allegedly Poisoning Boyfriend After $30 Million Inheritance Announcement
Nov 03, 2023, 10:00 AM
In a shocking turn of events, a North Dakota woman, Ina Thea Kenoyer, 47, is facing class AA felony murder charges for the alleged poisoning of her boyfriend, Steven Edward Riley Jr., 51, who passed away on September 5, 2023, at a Bismarck hospital. The startling revelation came to light after an autopsy disclosed that Riley had succumbed to poisoning, specifically from ethylene glycol, the primary component of antifreeze.
According to the Minot Police Department, Kenoyer was arrested on October 30, 2023, in connection with Riley's untimely demise. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many in disbelief.
Investigators suspect that Kenoyer's motive behind this alleged murder was financial gain. Riley was on the verge of receiving a substantial inheritance of $30 million and had plans to terminate his relationship with Kenoyer. Witnesses reported that Riley began feeling unwell on September 3, 2023, just days before he was supposed to meet with an attorney to formalize his inheritance. Emergency responders were summoned the following day when Riley became unresponsive, leading to his transfer to a different hospital, where he ultimately passed away.
While Kenoyer initially offered alternative explanations for Riley's condition, the autopsy results unequivocally established poisoning as the cause of death. Friends and family of the deceased contend that Kenoyer had used antifreeze to poison Riley, a claim supported by investigators. The New York Times reported that Kenoyer and Riley had been in a relationship for a decade, but Kenoyer allegedly grew distraught upon learning of Riley's intentions to end the relationship after receiving the inheritance.
Kenoyer reportedly told investigators that she intended to split the inheritance with Riley's son, asserting herself as Riley's "common law" wife due to their lengthy relationship. However, it is important to note that North Dakota does not legally recognize "common law" marriages, further complicating Kenoyer's claim.
According to the Minot Daily News, Kenoyer even proposed alternative scenarios in which Riley might have accidentally ingested antifreeze. Riley's friends have also come forward, alleging that Kenoyer had previously mentioned the idea of poisoning her boyfriend with antifreeze. Riley's deteriorating health on the same day he was supposed to meet with the attorney and receive his inheritance raised suspicions among his friends. Despite their concerns, Kenoyer assured them that Riley was merely suffering from heatstroke.
The charges against Kenoyer are particularly severe, as she faces a class AA felony murder charge, the most severe category of murder charges in North Dakota. If convicted, she could face severe legal consequences.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of Steven Edward Riley Jr. and the startling allegations surrounding his demise. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of greed and jealousy, even in the most unexpected of circumstances.
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According to the Minot Police Department, Kenoyer was arrested on October 30, 2023, in connection with Riley's untimely demise. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many in disbelief.
Investigators suspect that Kenoyer's motive behind this alleged murder was financial gain. Riley was on the verge of receiving a substantial inheritance of $30 million and had plans to terminate his relationship with Kenoyer. Witnesses reported that Riley began feeling unwell on September 3, 2023, just days before he was supposed to meet with an attorney to formalize his inheritance. Emergency responders were summoned the following day when Riley became unresponsive, leading to his transfer to a different hospital, where he ultimately passed away.
While Kenoyer initially offered alternative explanations for Riley's condition, the autopsy results unequivocally established poisoning as the cause of death. Friends and family of the deceased contend that Kenoyer had used antifreeze to poison Riley, a claim supported by investigators. The New York Times reported that Kenoyer and Riley had been in a relationship for a decade, but Kenoyer allegedly grew distraught upon learning of Riley's intentions to end the relationship after receiving the inheritance.
Kenoyer reportedly told investigators that she intended to split the inheritance with Riley's son, asserting herself as Riley's "common law" wife due to their lengthy relationship. However, it is important to note that North Dakota does not legally recognize "common law" marriages, further complicating Kenoyer's claim.
According to the Minot Daily News, Kenoyer even proposed alternative scenarios in which Riley might have accidentally ingested antifreeze. Riley's friends have also come forward, alleging that Kenoyer had previously mentioned the idea of poisoning her boyfriend with antifreeze. Riley's deteriorating health on the same day he was supposed to meet with the attorney and receive his inheritance raised suspicions among his friends. Despite their concerns, Kenoyer assured them that Riley was merely suffering from heatstroke.
The charges against Kenoyer are particularly severe, as she faces a class AA felony murder charge, the most severe category of murder charges in North Dakota. If convicted, she could face severe legal consequences.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of Steven Edward Riley Jr. and the startling allegations surrounding his demise. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of greed and jealousy, even in the most unexpected of circumstances.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com