Unveil the gripping tale behind 'Amish Stud' Eli Weaver's shocking plot to orchestrate his wife's murder. Delve into the intricate motives and unravel the chilling saga of why Eli Weaver, known as the 'Amish Stud,' conspired in such a heinous crime. Explore the perplexing story behind Eli Weaver's sinister plan to have his wife killed, uncovering the dark secrets and motivations driving this unexpected betrayal.
Inside The Shocking Amish Community Murder Case Of Barbara Weaver
The quiet Amish community of Apple Creek, Ohio, was rocked when Barbara Weaver, an Amish housewife, was found fatally shot on June 2, 2009. Suspicions immediately circled around her husband of a decade, Eli Weaver, and Barbara Raber, a Mennonite taxi driver with whom Eli had been involved romantically.
Shortly after the tragic event, both Eli Weaver and Barbara Raber were arrested and charged with aggravated murder. Barbara Raber received a conviction and a 23-year-to-life sentence in September 2009, serving time at the Ohio Reformatory for Women with parole eligibility in June 2032.
Eli Weaver opted for a plea deal, testifying against Raber and receiving a conviction for complicity to commit murder. He is currently serving a 15-year-to-life sentence at Ohio's Grafton Correctional Institution, with parole eligibility in June 2024.
Author Rebecca Morris highlights the rarity of such a crime within the Amish community, stating that in the past 250 years, only three spousal murders have occurred among the Amish in America, including two cases involving husbands killing their wives.
A ‘Super Nice’ Woman
In June 2009, the murder of Amish housewife Barbara Weaver in Apple Creek, Ohio, unearthed a tale of infidelity, manipulation, and a shocking conspiracy to kill. Eli Weaver, her husband, owned a hunting store and led a double life, exploring relationships with multiple women while presenting himself as the "Amish Stud" in online chat rooms.
The Weavers, part of a conservative subgroup known as the Andy Weaver Amish, faced a troubled marriage marked by Eli's repeated departures from their Amishlifestyle and his struggles to adapt to the outside world. Despite the community's prohibition on technology, Eli possessed a secret cell phone, employing it for clandestine communication.
Initially, the Weavers' marriage seemed happy, but Barbara's letters to a counselor reflected distress and disillusionment, indicating Eli's transformation into an unrecognizable and resentful partner.
Neighbor Mary Eicher, also a Mennonite taxi driver, described Barbara as friendly and kind but revealed financial issues within the marriage, where Eli withheld money. In a patriarchal community where speaking against a spouse is discouraged, Barbara's troubles remained largely hidden.
Eli Weaver's attempts to find someone to kill his wife were dismissed by several individuals before Barbara Raber, a Mennonite, became open to the idea. Their exchanges about poisoning methods escalated to planning Barbara Weaver's murder with a rifle.
Eli Weaver, fishing at the time of the murder, and Raber, without an alibi, were the prime suspects. Raber initially claimed she intended to scare Barbara but later professed no memory of the event. Eli's manipulation of Raber, facilitating her involvement in the murder plot by acquiring a laptop and communicating via cell phone, revealed a disturbing web of deceit.
Eli Weaver's motive to kill his wife, as suggested, revolved around enabling his dual lifestyle, embracing his Amish community as a widower while maintaining his promiscuous activities. The attorney speculated that leaving Barbara would result in social ostracization, whereas her death might earn him acceptance.
But the couple had problems, like Eli Weaver withholding money from his wife, Eicher says. “I had given my number as a contact for her doctor,” she recalls. “One time, I took my portable phone to her after I got a message, and I overheard her saying on the phone, ‘We will be paying as soon as we can.'” Eli Weaver’s sister said his business was doing fine.
The attorney representing Eli Weaver, Andrew Hyde, highlighted the community's potential reactions to Weaver's actions, insinuating that being a widower might have garnered more social acceptance than leaving his wife.
What’s Life Like In Prison For Eli Weaver?
Eli Weaver, serving time at Grafton Correctional Institution, an all-male facility in Ohio, has experienced various prison job roles and relocations during his 14-year incarceration. Despite attempts to reach out, Weaver has not responded to correspondence from author Rebecca Morris, who chronicled his case.
Weaver's parents, disassociating themselves from him, declined communication. Additionally, he sought pen pals through an Amish newsletter, showcasing efforts to connect with others despite his circumstances.
As per neighbor Mary Eicher, who maintains ties with the community, the Weaver children appear to be coping well despite the traumatic past. However, they remain reticent about discussing their family's ordeal with outsiders, emphasizing their deep sense of shame and desire for privacy. Eicher and Morris concur that if Weaver were to be released on parole, the Amish community would likely shun him, foreclosing the possibility of reintegration.
Reflecting on Barbara Weaver's virtuous character, Eicher expressed profound sadness at the tragedy, highlighting the stark contrast between her goodness and the heinous act perpetrated against her. Morris echoed this sentiment, questioning why Weaver believed he could evade accountability for such a grievous crime.
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