In the moments after snake breeder Ben Renick was found dead, investigators initially suspected that he might have been attacked by one of his prized reptiles. However, it was later discovered that Ben had been shot multiple times. This shocking discovery led to a murder investigation that rocked the small community in Missouri.
Ben Renick was a well-known and successful snake breeder, with a facility housing over 3,000 exotic serpents. His passion for snakes had turned into a thriving business, with his reptiles being shipped worldwide and his reputation growing in the reptile community.
The investigation into Ben’s murder initially focused on the possibility of a robbery gone wrong or a targeted attack. However, as more evidence came to light, the focus shifted to those closest to Ben, including his wife Lynlee and his brother Sam.
Lynlee Renick, who had discovered Ben’s body, was initially cooperative with investigators but soon became a suspect herself. It was revealed that Lynlee had been involved in multiple affairs and was facing financial troubles with her spa business. Additionally, messages between Ben and Lynlee indicated that their relationship was strained, with Ben confronting Lynlee about financial discrepancies.
As the investigation continued, Lynlee’s lies and deceit came to light, including false accusations against Sam Renick. It was revealed that Lynlee had plotted with her ex-boyfriend, Michael Humphrey, to kill Ben. Despite multiple attempts, including poisoning and an initial failed shooting, Lynlee eventually shot Ben herself, with the help of Humphrey.
The trial for Ben Renick’s murder was a dramatic affair, with testimonies from key witnesses like Ashley Shaw, Lynlee’s employee and confidant, who turned on her former boss in exchange for leniency. Michael Humphrey, who was initially convicted of Ben’s murder, eventually changed his story and cooperated with authorities, leading to Lynlee’s arrest.
In a surprising turn of events, Lynlee Renick was found guilty of murder in the second degree and armed criminal action. She was sentenced to 13 years for murder and three years for armed criminal action, a sentence that many considered to be light given the severity of the crime.
The trial brought closure to Ben Renick’s family and friends, who had been reeling from the loss of a beloved member of their community. The tragedy of Ben’s murder served as a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk within even the most seemingly idyllic settings. Despite the pain and devastation caused by his untimely death, Ben’s legacy lives on through a new breed of snake named in his honor, a testament to the impact he had on the reptile community.
