1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,171 ♪ 2 00:00:04,171 --> 00:00:10,010 ♪ I can feel you finding ways ♪ 3 00:00:10,010 --> 00:00:11,637 NARRATOR: When you deal with snakes, 4 00:00:11,637 --> 00:00:13,430 there's a good chance you'll get bit. 5 00:00:13,430 --> 00:00:18,018 ♪ 6 00:00:18,018 --> 00:00:20,854 ♪ 7 00:00:20,854 --> 00:00:23,190 BEN RENICK: Welcome to the basement of Renick Reptiles. 8 00:00:23,190 --> 00:00:26,193 This is a T Positive Albino Green Anaconda. 9 00:00:26,193 --> 00:00:28,237 NARRATOR: Ben Renick makes a killing 10 00:00:28,237 --> 00:00:31,240 breeding pythons and anacondas... 11 00:00:31,240 --> 00:00:33,575 - Here we have a normal sunset. 12 00:00:33,575 --> 00:00:35,035 LUCAS GEISLER: We have a 29 year old 13 00:00:35,035 --> 00:00:37,788 at the top of the game of the reptile world. 14 00:00:37,788 --> 00:00:39,706 NARRATOR: until his obsession 15 00:00:40,707 --> 00:00:42,584 ends in horror. 16 00:00:42,584 --> 00:00:43,710 [woman weeping] 17 00:00:51,385 --> 00:00:52,386 ♪ 18 00:00:52,386 --> 00:00:54,638 NARRATOR: But there were far more snakes 19 00:00:54,638 --> 00:00:57,724 in Ben's life than just reptiles. 20 00:00:57,724 --> 00:01:00,686 - Well, I think everybody is a suspect in the beginning. 21 00:01:01,353 --> 00:01:02,354 NARRATOR: And no one knew 22 00:01:02,354 --> 00:01:07,025 that a little poisonous joke would be laced with venom. 23 00:01:07,025 --> 00:01:10,028 - I think those messages were really crucial. 24 00:01:10,028 --> 00:01:11,488 We've got evidence right here. 25 00:01:11,488 --> 00:01:14,283 ♪ 26 00:01:14,283 --> 00:01:16,451 ♪ theme music playing ♪ 27 00:01:16,451 --> 00:01:17,661 MAN 1: She solved her own murder 28 00:01:17,661 --> 00:01:18,829 from beyond the grave. 29 00:01:18,829 --> 00:01:20,539 MAN 2: The fitness app on the phone, 30 00:01:20,539 --> 00:01:22,499 it was overwhelming evidence. 31 00:01:22,499 --> 00:01:25,294 ♪ I've been haunted by the visions ♪ 32 00:01:25,294 --> 00:01:28,672 ♪ That I've seen with my own eyes ♪ 33 00:01:28,672 --> 00:01:31,633 ♪ And the only way to find you ♪ 34 00:01:31,633 --> 00:01:35,721 ♪ Is to go beneath the lies ♪ 35 00:01:35,721 --> 00:01:37,890 ♪ 36 00:01:37,890 --> 00:01:40,225 MAN: She did help catch this killer. 37 00:01:44,313 --> 00:01:49,568 ♪ 38 00:01:49,568 --> 00:01:51,612 NARRATOR: This is New Florence, Missouri, 39 00:01:52,362 --> 00:01:53,697 Ben Renick's hometown. 40 00:01:53,697 --> 00:01:55,324 [birds chirping] 41 00:01:55,991 --> 00:01:58,202 It's where this 29 year old 42 00:01:58,202 --> 00:02:00,204 is amassing a fortune 43 00:02:01,455 --> 00:02:02,664 in snakes. 44 00:02:02,664 --> 00:02:04,708 ♪ 45 00:02:04,708 --> 00:02:06,960 But on June 8th, 2017... 46 00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:11,423 ♪ 47 00:02:11,423 --> 00:02:13,091 ...his success story 48 00:02:14,218 --> 00:02:15,844 turns tragic. 49 00:02:15,844 --> 00:02:18,138 [keypad beeping rapidly] 50 00:02:18,138 --> 00:02:19,139 [Lynlee weeping] 51 00:02:31,527 --> 00:02:33,403 [crying] 52 00:02:34,530 --> 00:02:37,491 ♪ 53 00:02:37,491 --> 00:02:39,034 LUCAS: My name is Lucas Geisler. 54 00:02:39,034 --> 00:02:40,994 ♪ 55 00:02:40,994 --> 00:02:45,040 I am a news anchor and investigative reporter 56 00:02:45,040 --> 00:02:49,920 for ABC 17 News, KMIZ in Columbia, Missouri. 57 00:02:49,920 --> 00:02:51,463 ♪ 58 00:02:51,463 --> 00:02:53,507 NARRATOR: Lucas is 26 years old 59 00:02:53,507 --> 00:02:55,259 and three years on the job 60 00:02:55,259 --> 00:02:57,135 when he in the small community 61 00:02:57,135 --> 00:02:59,555 of New Florence changes forever. 62 00:03:00,806 --> 00:03:02,057 - It was certainly one of the bigger stories 63 00:03:02,057 --> 00:03:03,183 that I've ever covered 64 00:03:03,183 --> 00:03:05,936 and maybe one of the biggest ones I ever will cover. 65 00:03:05,936 --> 00:03:07,187 ♪ 66 00:03:07,187 --> 00:03:09,398 You got a guy at the top of his game 67 00:03:10,023 --> 00:03:11,525 in the reptile breeding world. 68 00:03:14,987 --> 00:03:17,114 LUCAS: A beloved figure killed, 69 00:03:17,114 --> 00:03:19,116 struck down in his prime. 70 00:03:21,493 --> 00:03:25,664 - I thought there's gotta be something strange going on here. 71 00:03:25,664 --> 00:03:29,376 ♪ 72 00:03:29,376 --> 00:03:31,128 NARRATOR: Ben's older brother Sam 73 00:03:31,128 --> 00:03:32,671 thought the same thing. 74 00:03:32,671 --> 00:03:34,798 SAM RENICK: On June 8th, I was working at the farm. 75 00:03:34,798 --> 00:03:36,383 [phone line ringing] 76 00:03:36,383 --> 00:03:37,509 ♪ 77 00:03:37,509 --> 00:03:40,012 That's when I got the call from Ben's wife Lynlee. 78 00:03:40,012 --> 00:03:41,430 [Lynlee screaming indistinctly] 79 00:03:41,430 --> 00:03:43,765 She called hysterical, 80 00:03:43,765 --> 00:03:45,559 so I headed towards the snake facility. 81 00:03:45,559 --> 00:03:48,312 ♪ 82 00:03:48,312 --> 00:03:49,605 She led me to the body. 83 00:03:49,605 --> 00:03:52,691 ♪ 84 00:03:52,691 --> 00:03:54,610 When I found Ben's body, he was face down. 85 00:03:54,610 --> 00:03:55,944 ♪ 86 00:03:55,944 --> 00:03:57,946 I had to turn him over to check him. 87 00:03:57,946 --> 00:04:00,199 ♪ 88 00:04:00,199 --> 00:04:01,533 He was a mess. 89 00:04:29,436 --> 00:04:31,855 ♪ 90 00:04:31,855 --> 00:04:33,690 [wailing] 91 00:04:33,690 --> 00:04:36,485 NARRATOR: What police will be walking into 92 00:04:36,485 --> 00:04:37,903 is horrifying. 93 00:04:47,579 --> 00:04:49,289 ♪ 94 00:04:51,250 --> 00:04:53,794 ♪ 95 00:04:53,794 --> 00:04:55,212 NARRATOR: It's no way for someone 96 00:04:55,212 --> 00:04:56,630 to find their kid brother. 97 00:04:56,630 --> 00:04:58,006 ♪ 98 00:04:58,006 --> 00:04:59,216 - He deserves much better. 99 00:04:59,216 --> 00:05:00,467 ♪ 100 00:05:00,467 --> 00:05:02,094 He could have done anything. 101 00:05:02,094 --> 00:05:03,470 He had his whole life ahead of him. 102 00:05:03,470 --> 00:05:04,888 ♪ Lay it down ♪ 103 00:05:04,888 --> 00:05:06,431 ♪ Lay it down ♪ 104 00:05:06,431 --> 00:05:07,474 ♪ Lay it down ♪ 105 00:05:07,474 --> 00:05:08,600 ♪ On me ♪ 106 00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:10,561 ♪ On me ♪ 107 00:05:10,561 --> 00:05:11,979 NARRATOR: Ben and Sam grew up 108 00:05:11,979 --> 00:05:14,523 on the Renick Family Farm in New Florence. 109 00:05:14,523 --> 00:05:17,401 ♪ Talk it out, talk it out ♪ 110 00:05:17,401 --> 00:05:18,402 ♪ Talk it out ♪ 111 00:05:18,402 --> 00:05:21,029 ♪ Just breathe ♪ 112 00:05:21,029 --> 00:05:23,866 - Ben and I as... young kids. 113 00:05:23,866 --> 00:05:25,784 ♪ 114 00:05:25,784 --> 00:05:27,995 Ben was a big fan of snakes at a young age. 115 00:05:27,995 --> 00:05:28,912 ♪ 116 00:05:28,912 --> 00:05:32,207 He was out in the wilderness catching snakes all the time. 117 00:05:32,207 --> 00:05:35,252 ♪ Lay your head upon my shoulder ♪ 118 00:05:35,252 --> 00:05:39,464 And he managed to turn that passion into a business. 119 00:05:39,464 --> 00:05:40,549 ♪ Hold me closer ♪ 120 00:05:40,549 --> 00:05:43,594 NARRATOR: As Ben's work in the reptile world grew, 121 00:05:43,594 --> 00:05:45,012 so did his reputation. 122 00:05:45,679 --> 00:05:47,514 CHERYL METULA: My name's Cheryl Metula. 123 00:05:47,514 --> 00:05:50,934 I work with exotic animals, primarily reptiles. 124 00:05:50,934 --> 00:05:52,686 ♪ 125 00:05:52,686 --> 00:05:57,191 Ben was introduced to me as one of the largest ball python breeders, 126 00:05:57,191 --> 00:05:58,734 the most well-known one 127 00:05:58,734 --> 00:06:01,069 across the entire world. 128 00:06:01,069 --> 00:06:03,238 ♪ 129 00:06:03,238 --> 00:06:04,531 NARRATOR: Cheryl became friends 130 00:06:04,531 --> 00:06:06,074 with Ben and his wife Lynlee... 131 00:06:06,074 --> 00:06:07,993 ♪ 132 00:06:07,993 --> 00:06:09,620 ...and got to know both of them well. 133 00:06:09,620 --> 00:06:11,079 ♪ 134 00:06:11,079 --> 00:06:15,042 - Lynlee was probably the sweetest person ever. 135 00:06:15,042 --> 00:06:16,168 ♪ 136 00:06:16,168 --> 00:06:18,420 She was extremely kind. 137 00:06:18,420 --> 00:06:19,505 ♪ 138 00:06:19,505 --> 00:06:20,797 They just seemed so in love. 139 00:06:20,797 --> 00:06:23,008 ♪ 140 00:06:23,008 --> 00:06:24,843 BOBBETTE TUCKER: My name is Bobbette Tucker. 141 00:06:24,843 --> 00:06:26,595 ♪ 142 00:06:26,595 --> 00:06:28,472 Ben was so happy. 143 00:06:28,472 --> 00:06:30,432 ♪ 144 00:06:30,432 --> 00:06:32,434 We fell in love with her just like Ben did. 145 00:06:32,851 --> 00:06:35,354 She was a perfect partner for him. 146 00:06:36,104 --> 00:06:38,398 NARRATOR: Ben and Lynlee have busy lives 147 00:06:38,398 --> 00:06:42,486 with two kids and two businesses. 148 00:06:42,486 --> 00:06:45,072 Renick Reptiles and a spa 149 00:06:45,072 --> 00:06:47,866 that Lynlee operates in Columbia, Missouri. 150 00:06:47,866 --> 00:06:52,329 - They're a young, attractive family with seemingly everything going for them. 151 00:06:52,329 --> 00:06:53,705 ♪ 152 00:06:53,705 --> 00:06:56,750 They live in the big country estate out in Missouri 153 00:06:56,750 --> 00:06:58,669 doing this quirky business 154 00:06:58,669 --> 00:07:04,341 that is netting them a literal million dollar sum to do this. 155 00:07:04,341 --> 00:07:07,219 ♪ 156 00:07:07,219 --> 00:07:09,471 ♪ 157 00:07:09,471 --> 00:07:11,181 NARRATOR: Some of Ben's anacondas 158 00:07:11,181 --> 00:07:13,892 are 12 to 15 feet long 159 00:07:13,892 --> 00:07:16,395 and weigh more than 400 pounds. 160 00:07:16,395 --> 00:07:18,230 ♪ 161 00:07:18,230 --> 00:07:20,858 Large enough to be lethal. 162 00:07:20,858 --> 00:07:23,235 SAM: When I saw Ben's head the way that it was, 163 00:07:23,235 --> 00:07:24,820 his skull had been crushed. 164 00:07:24,820 --> 00:07:26,446 In my mind, the only thing that could have happened 165 00:07:26,446 --> 00:07:27,990 would've been an accident with the snakes. 166 00:07:27,990 --> 00:07:30,158 ♪ 167 00:07:30,158 --> 00:07:32,369 [wailing] 168 00:07:32,369 --> 00:07:36,915 ♪ 169 00:07:36,915 --> 00:07:38,876 ♪ 170 00:07:38,876 --> 00:07:41,962 NARRATOR: When sheriff's deputies and EMTs arrive, 171 00:07:41,962 --> 00:07:44,631 they think a killer snake is on the loose. 172 00:07:48,135 --> 00:07:49,803 [Lynlee crying] 173 00:07:49,803 --> 00:07:52,055 NARRATOR: Ben's wife Lynlee doesn't think 174 00:07:52,055 --> 00:07:54,558 a snake is responsible for his death. 175 00:07:56,476 --> 00:07:57,644 [Lynlee crying] 176 00:08:01,899 --> 00:08:03,275 ♪ 177 00:08:13,452 --> 00:08:14,494 [Lynlee crying] 178 00:08:18,916 --> 00:08:21,043 NARRATOR: Deputies find themselves 179 00:08:21,043 --> 00:08:23,212 inside a horror movie... 180 00:08:27,007 --> 00:08:29,259 NARRATOR: ...looking for a missing and anaconda. 181 00:08:32,846 --> 00:08:34,932 [Lynlee crying] 182 00:08:37,643 --> 00:08:38,227 OFFICER 2: Where's the victim? 183 00:08:42,189 --> 00:08:45,275 ♪ 184 00:08:45,275 --> 00:08:46,735 - Ben, that's Ben Renick. 185 00:08:46,735 --> 00:08:47,736 MAN: Uh-huh. 186 00:08:48,654 --> 00:08:50,614 NARRATOR: Officers find Ben, 187 00:08:50,614 --> 00:08:53,867 but don't find any evidence of a killer snake on the loose. 188 00:08:53,867 --> 00:08:54,910 MAN: He's not under there. 189 00:08:55,744 --> 00:08:58,956 NARRATOR: But they do spot evidence on Ben's body. 190 00:08:58,956 --> 00:09:01,124 ♪ 191 00:09:09,842 --> 00:09:11,176 [wailing] 192 00:09:11,176 --> 00:09:12,636 NARRATOR: The coroner is sent in. 193 00:09:12,636 --> 00:09:15,472 ♪ 194 00:09:15,472 --> 00:09:17,224 And soon, 195 00:09:17,224 --> 00:09:19,393 what seems like a fatal snake attack... 196 00:09:19,393 --> 00:09:20,435 [camera shutter clicks] 197 00:09:20,435 --> 00:09:22,521 ♪ 198 00:09:22,521 --> 00:09:25,524 ...becomes far more mysterious. 199 00:09:25,524 --> 00:09:26,942 More sinister. 200 00:09:26,942 --> 00:09:28,318 [camera shutter clicks] 201 00:09:28,318 --> 00:09:29,486 SAM: At that point in time, 202 00:09:29,486 --> 00:09:30,946 we were outside the facility. 203 00:09:31,947 --> 00:09:33,073 Then the coroner came out 204 00:09:34,575 --> 00:09:37,911 and he let me know that it was not a snake attack. 205 00:09:37,911 --> 00:09:38,912 ♪ 206 00:09:38,912 --> 00:09:40,205 My brother had been shot. 207 00:09:40,205 --> 00:09:43,125 ♪ 208 00:09:43,125 --> 00:09:45,127 NARRATOR: Who shot Ben Renick? 209 00:09:45,127 --> 00:09:47,504 He was successful, 210 00:09:47,504 --> 00:09:48,547 loved. 211 00:09:48,547 --> 00:09:50,549 ♪ 212 00:09:50,549 --> 00:09:52,676 A rock star in the snake world. 213 00:09:53,552 --> 00:09:56,555 Now everyone's a suspect. 214 00:09:56,555 --> 00:09:59,349 ♪ 215 00:09:59,349 --> 00:10:00,225 [gunshot] 216 00:10:00,225 --> 00:10:02,686 ♪ 217 00:10:04,688 --> 00:10:08,066 ♪ Take a breath ♪ 218 00:10:08,066 --> 00:10:10,819 ♪ 219 00:10:10,819 --> 00:10:13,363 ♪ 220 00:10:13,363 --> 00:10:15,324 Family and friends are in shock 221 00:10:15,324 --> 00:10:18,535 after they learn that Ben Renick's been murdered. 222 00:10:18,535 --> 00:10:20,120 But it's so much worse. 223 00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:21,663 ♪ 224 00:10:21,663 --> 00:10:23,707 LUCAS: They found shell casings, 225 00:10:23,707 --> 00:10:27,127 bullet fragments throughout a snake barn. 226 00:10:27,127 --> 00:10:32,257 ♪ 227 00:10:32,257 --> 00:10:35,469 NARRATOR: Ben was shot eight times. 228 00:10:35,469 --> 00:10:39,264 ♪ 229 00:10:40,265 --> 00:10:41,266 SAM: His skull was crushed 230 00:10:41,266 --> 00:10:42,643 by that eighth bullet. 231 00:10:42,643 --> 00:10:44,603 That's why I thought it was a snake when I first saw him, 232 00:10:44,603 --> 00:10:45,979 because his head was destroyed. 233 00:10:45,979 --> 00:10:47,189 ♪ 234 00:10:47,189 --> 00:10:49,107 NARRATOR: Who could hate Ben enough 235 00:10:49,107 --> 00:10:53,779 to pull the trigger over and over? 236 00:10:53,779 --> 00:10:58,784 [gun firing] 237 00:10:58,784 --> 00:11:01,245 It's almost impossible to believe. 238 00:11:01,245 --> 00:11:03,080 ♪ 239 00:11:03,080 --> 00:11:06,750 - Ben Renick was incredibly well liked by people. 240 00:11:06,750 --> 00:11:08,877 NARRATOR: Members of the reptile community 241 00:11:08,877 --> 00:11:11,672 like Cheryl and Ben's best friend Chase 242 00:11:11,672 --> 00:11:14,967 desperately wanna know who gunned down their colleague, 243 00:11:14,967 --> 00:11:18,136 but there were no weapons found at the scene. 244 00:11:18,136 --> 00:11:20,848 And if authorities have a suspect or a motive... 245 00:11:20,848 --> 00:11:23,767 ♪ 246 00:11:23,767 --> 00:11:25,227 ...they're not sharing. 247 00:11:25,227 --> 00:11:30,649 ♪ I've been washed in the blood of the lamb ♪ 248 00:11:30,649 --> 00:11:33,360 - There was a theory that perhaps it was a robbery. 249 00:11:33,360 --> 00:11:36,405 ♪ Dancing with the devil ♪ 250 00:11:36,405 --> 00:11:39,199 Maybe somebody just happened to stumble upon this barn... 251 00:11:39,199 --> 00:11:41,451 ♪ 252 00:11:41,451 --> 00:11:43,537 ...and in a panic... 253 00:11:43,537 --> 00:11:44,705 [gunshot] 254 00:11:44,705 --> 00:11:45,956 ...killed the person there. 255 00:11:45,956 --> 00:11:50,919 ♪ 256 00:11:50,919 --> 00:11:53,964 NARRATOR: Or was it something more personal? 257 00:11:53,964 --> 00:11:55,340 ♪ 258 00:11:55,340 --> 00:11:58,510 Someone hiding like a snake in the grass. 259 00:11:58,510 --> 00:12:01,471 ♪ 260 00:12:01,471 --> 00:12:04,516 Ben's reptiles sell for thousands of dollars each 261 00:12:05,434 --> 00:12:06,852 and he's got thousands of them. 262 00:12:06,852 --> 00:12:09,980 ♪ 263 00:12:09,980 --> 00:12:12,941 ♪ 264 00:12:12,941 --> 00:12:14,401 ♪ 265 00:12:14,401 --> 00:12:16,695 BOBBETTE: We didn't know if maybe somebody 266 00:12:16,695 --> 00:12:19,698 from the reptile community maybe came in. 267 00:12:19,698 --> 00:12:23,202 ♪ 268 00:12:23,202 --> 00:12:28,498 Somebody that was looking for a fast buck to steal some of his snakes. 269 00:12:28,498 --> 00:12:30,167 ♪ 270 00:12:30,167 --> 00:12:35,005 Maybe he'd been taken by surprise and it was a robbery gone bad. 271 00:12:35,005 --> 00:12:36,298 [gunshot] 272 00:12:36,298 --> 00:12:40,344 ♪ 273 00:12:40,344 --> 00:12:41,887 NARRATOR: But within days, 274 00:12:43,680 --> 00:12:45,724 those closest to Ben confirm, 275 00:12:45,724 --> 00:12:47,601 no snakes were stolen 276 00:12:47,601 --> 00:12:50,729 and nothing else is missing from the reptile house. 277 00:12:52,064 --> 00:12:53,899 So another theory takes shape. 278 00:12:55,275 --> 00:12:56,860 Before he died, 279 00:12:56,860 --> 00:12:59,988 Ben was working on a deal that would've changed his life. 280 00:12:59,988 --> 00:13:05,619 Maybe someone in Ben's circle wanted a piece by any means necessary. 281 00:13:05,619 --> 00:13:07,829 ♪ 282 00:13:07,829 --> 00:13:10,791 - Ben Renick had made a million dollar deal 283 00:13:10,791 --> 00:13:14,378 to sell most of his pythons and anacondas 284 00:13:14,378 --> 00:13:17,965 to a hockey player who is going to pay the installments. 285 00:13:17,965 --> 00:13:22,469 Two hundred thousand dollars every quarter throughout the year 2017. 286 00:13:22,469 --> 00:13:24,471 But around the time the next payment was due... 287 00:13:24,471 --> 00:13:26,932 ♪ 288 00:13:26,932 --> 00:13:28,100 ...Ben is killed. 289 00:13:28,100 --> 00:13:31,854 ♪ 290 00:13:31,854 --> 00:13:35,649 What becomes of these snakes, what becomes of the money? 291 00:13:35,649 --> 00:13:36,942 ♪ 292 00:13:36,942 --> 00:13:38,277 It seems very contentious. 293 00:13:38,277 --> 00:13:40,279 INTERVIEWER: Ben Renick is possibly 294 00:13:40,279 --> 00:13:43,073 one of the most meticulous snake breeders out there. 295 00:13:43,073 --> 00:13:44,825 And so how do you, how do you maintain it? 296 00:13:44,825 --> 00:13:46,535 - A lot of work. Yeah. INTERVIEWER: A lot of work? 297 00:13:46,535 --> 00:13:49,496 - Certainly when you rise to the top of your game, 298 00:13:50,163 --> 00:13:52,124 there might be a target on your back. 299 00:13:52,124 --> 00:13:53,792 ♪ 300 00:13:53,792 --> 00:13:57,713 Maybe a rival reptile breeder had it out for Ben. 301 00:13:57,713 --> 00:14:00,966 ♪ 302 00:14:00,966 --> 00:14:03,051 That Ben had something that they wanted 303 00:14:03,051 --> 00:14:05,387 so they'll go off Ben. 304 00:14:05,387 --> 00:14:08,765 ♪ 305 00:14:08,765 --> 00:14:10,976 NARRATOR: There are people in the snake community 306 00:14:10,976 --> 00:14:12,895 who might benefit from Ben's death. 307 00:14:12,895 --> 00:14:14,771 ♪ 308 00:14:14,771 --> 00:14:17,107 But what about someone closer to home? 309 00:14:17,107 --> 00:14:22,446 ♪ 310 00:14:22,446 --> 00:14:24,531 LUCAS: Sam and Ben did not particularly 311 00:14:24,531 --> 00:14:27,201 get along well before Ben's murder. 312 00:14:27,201 --> 00:14:28,285 ♪ 313 00:14:28,285 --> 00:14:31,747 That relationship as it frayed put Sam, I think, 314 00:14:31,747 --> 00:14:34,041 on the lead investigative radar as well. 315 00:14:34,041 --> 00:14:37,836 ♪ 316 00:14:37,836 --> 00:14:39,046 NARRATOR: Sam and his family 317 00:14:39,046 --> 00:14:40,839 live on the Renick property. 318 00:14:40,839 --> 00:14:42,007 ♪ 319 00:14:42,007 --> 00:14:44,968 CHERYL: One of the last times I spoke to Ben, 320 00:14:44,968 --> 00:14:47,179 he was clearly aggravated 321 00:14:47,179 --> 00:14:49,014 and venting about his brother. 322 00:14:49,014 --> 00:14:53,101 ♪ 323 00:14:53,101 --> 00:14:55,979 There was some kinda stress going on. 324 00:14:55,979 --> 00:14:59,233 So first person I thought of was Sam. 325 00:14:59,233 --> 00:15:03,195 ♪ 326 00:15:03,195 --> 00:15:05,989 ♪ 327 00:15:05,989 --> 00:15:08,617 NARRATOR: Authorities bring Sam in for questioning. 328 00:15:08,617 --> 00:15:11,328 ♪ 329 00:15:43,569 --> 00:15:44,736 ♪ 330 00:15:44,736 --> 00:15:47,030 NARRATOR: Sam and Ben argued over money 331 00:15:48,574 --> 00:15:50,409 and ownership of the property. 332 00:15:50,409 --> 00:15:51,869 ♪ 333 00:15:51,869 --> 00:15:54,955 Something Ben's widow Lynlee stands by in her interview. 334 00:15:54,955 --> 00:15:57,374 ♪ 335 00:16:36,538 --> 00:16:42,127 ♪ I've got skeletons in my closet ♪ 336 00:16:42,127 --> 00:16:44,213 NARRATOR: Lynlee's not a fan of her brother-in-law, 337 00:16:45,088 --> 00:16:48,342 but what is Sam thinking during all of this? 338 00:16:48,342 --> 00:16:50,511 SAM: I was initially told that I was a person of interest 339 00:16:50,511 --> 00:16:52,638 in Ben's murder and I needed to stay put 340 00:16:52,638 --> 00:16:54,348 and I did exactly that. 341 00:16:54,348 --> 00:16:57,851 ♪ Don't go snooping around ♪ 342 00:16:57,851 --> 00:17:00,687 NARRATOR: But what about Lynlee, Ben's widow? 343 00:17:00,687 --> 00:17:04,691 Authorities have to wonder, could she be involved? 344 00:17:04,691 --> 00:17:07,569 - Well, I think everybody is a suspect in the beginning. 345 00:17:08,570 --> 00:17:12,032 ♪ The picture's growing clearer ♪ 346 00:17:12,032 --> 00:17:13,367 NARRATOR: They even tracked down 347 00:17:13,367 --> 00:17:17,913 one of Lynlee's former boyfriends who was at her spa the day of the murder. 348 00:17:17,913 --> 00:17:22,334 ♪ You're closer with every clue ♪ 349 00:17:22,334 --> 00:17:24,044 LUCAS: Michael Humphrey is an ex 350 00:17:24,044 --> 00:17:25,087 of Lynlee Renick. 351 00:17:25,087 --> 00:17:27,798 He says he went to Columbia to get a massage. 352 00:17:28,674 --> 00:17:30,926 So that's where he said he was on June 8th, 353 00:17:31,635 --> 00:17:35,222 that he did visit the spa, he got a massage and then he left. 354 00:17:35,222 --> 00:17:36,807 ♪ 355 00:17:36,807 --> 00:17:38,642 NARRATOR: Humphrey is the dead end. 356 00:17:38,642 --> 00:17:41,103 ♪ Don't look back ♪ 357 00:17:41,103 --> 00:17:43,605 It's all questions, no answers. 358 00:17:43,605 --> 00:17:45,357 ♪ 359 00:17:45,357 --> 00:17:47,693 ♪ The past is fading ♪ 360 00:17:47,693 --> 00:17:50,237 Traumatized, Lynlee takes the kids 361 00:17:50,237 --> 00:17:52,030 and moves in with her father. 362 00:17:52,030 --> 00:17:53,782 ♪ What's to come ♪ 363 00:17:53,782 --> 00:17:56,702 But then days after Ben's death, 364 00:17:56,702 --> 00:17:59,454 Lynlee makes an announcement that throws everyone. 365 00:17:59,454 --> 00:18:01,290 ♪ 366 00:18:01,290 --> 00:18:03,542 She wants to unload the snake business 367 00:18:04,751 --> 00:18:05,919 and the farm. 368 00:18:05,919 --> 00:18:07,045 ♪ 369 00:18:07,045 --> 00:18:13,010 ♪ When the walls keep falling down ♪ 370 00:18:13,010 --> 00:18:15,762 - Oh, God, everything was up in the air with the farm at the time. 371 00:18:15,762 --> 00:18:17,264 ♪ 372 00:18:17,264 --> 00:18:18,265 Ben had just taken out 373 00:18:18,265 --> 00:18:21,476 a one million dollar life insurance policy on himself 374 00:18:21,476 --> 00:18:22,853 because he did not have a will. 375 00:18:22,853 --> 00:18:26,398 When he was murdered all of his assets went directly to Lynlee. 376 00:18:26,398 --> 00:18:29,026 ♪ 377 00:18:29,026 --> 00:18:30,944 It was shortly after the murder that I was informed though, 378 00:18:30,944 --> 00:18:32,905 that I had about 30 days to leave the property 379 00:18:32,905 --> 00:18:34,615 because Lynlee was gonna sell it. 380 00:18:34,615 --> 00:18:38,368 ♪ 381 00:18:38,368 --> 00:18:41,038 ♪ 382 00:18:41,038 --> 00:18:43,290 I had a hard time with that. 383 00:18:43,290 --> 00:18:45,334 We had a-- 384 00:18:45,334 --> 00:18:47,336 That home was everything to us 385 00:18:47,336 --> 00:18:48,670 and I was alone out there. 386 00:18:48,670 --> 00:18:51,924 I had to make the, I-- 387 00:18:51,924 --> 00:18:53,592 I'm glad I didn't kill myself. 388 00:18:54,885 --> 00:18:55,761 Got close. 389 00:18:55,761 --> 00:18:58,472 ♪ 390 00:18:59,806 --> 00:19:01,099 [exhales deeply] 391 00:19:01,099 --> 00:19:03,644 ♪ 392 00:19:03,644 --> 00:19:04,394 - Oh, sorry. 393 00:19:06,438 --> 00:19:07,689 - Oh. gosh, sorry. 394 00:19:09,566 --> 00:19:10,025 - Gotta calm down. 395 00:19:11,568 --> 00:19:12,819 NARRATOR: Sam and his family 396 00:19:12,819 --> 00:19:13,987 are evicted from the house. 397 00:19:13,987 --> 00:19:15,697 ♪ 398 00:19:15,697 --> 00:19:20,035 ♪ I see shadows on the wall ♪ 399 00:19:20,035 --> 00:19:21,870 NARRATOR: By the fall of 2017, 400 00:19:22,663 --> 00:19:25,123 Cheryl Metula and her boyfriend 401 00:19:25,123 --> 00:19:28,168 are living on the property to look after Ben's snakes. 402 00:19:29,086 --> 00:19:32,005 - I moved in to Ben's house 403 00:19:32,005 --> 00:19:33,632 after Sam already left. 404 00:19:33,632 --> 00:19:36,051 There was no one else there 405 00:19:36,051 --> 00:19:39,263 to take care of, uh, Ben's animals. 406 00:19:39,263 --> 00:19:43,392 ♪ 407 00:19:43,392 --> 00:19:44,601 NARRATOR: Four months pass 408 00:19:44,601 --> 00:19:46,395 since Ben Renick was killed. 409 00:19:46,395 --> 00:19:47,646 ♪ 410 00:19:47,646 --> 00:19:49,523 But as far as finding his murderer... 411 00:19:50,107 --> 00:19:53,694 - At this time, law enforcement was not willing to talk, 412 00:19:53,694 --> 00:19:55,654 not willing to share updates 413 00:19:55,654 --> 00:19:58,699 other than to say the investigation is ongoing. 414 00:19:59,575 --> 00:20:02,160 A constant refrain from the sheriff's office 415 00:20:02,870 --> 00:20:05,038 and the Highway Patrol throughout this. 416 00:20:05,038 --> 00:20:06,039 ♪ 417 00:20:06,039 --> 00:20:07,833 Still no updates. 418 00:20:07,833 --> 00:20:09,126 ♪ 419 00:20:09,126 --> 00:20:11,336 NARRATOR: No updates, no arrests, 420 00:20:11,837 --> 00:20:13,130 no peace of mind. 421 00:20:13,130 --> 00:20:16,008 ♪ 422 00:20:16,008 --> 00:20:18,594 Cheryl spends every day at the Renick property 423 00:20:18,594 --> 00:20:20,512 scared out of her mind. 424 00:20:20,512 --> 00:20:23,640 - Living at the farm was absolutely horrifying. 425 00:20:23,640 --> 00:20:27,644 ♪ 426 00:20:27,644 --> 00:20:29,605 Because, you know, the killer could come back. 427 00:20:29,605 --> 00:20:31,899 ♪ 428 00:20:31,899 --> 00:20:33,025 NARRATOR: Turns out the killer 429 00:20:33,025 --> 00:20:36,111 has been within striking distance all along. 430 00:20:36,111 --> 00:20:37,779 ♪ 431 00:20:39,823 --> 00:20:42,367 ♪ humming ♪ 432 00:20:42,367 --> 00:20:45,662 ♪ 433 00:20:45,662 --> 00:20:48,165 ♪ Little drops of doubt ♪ 434 00:20:48,165 --> 00:20:50,501 ♪ Dripping down from ♪ 435 00:20:50,501 --> 00:20:52,503 ♪ My brain and my heart ♪ 436 00:20:52,503 --> 00:20:54,421 NARRATOR: By the fall of 2017, 437 00:20:55,422 --> 00:20:57,633 police still aren't revealing any details 438 00:20:57,633 --> 00:20:59,426 about Ben Renick's murder, 439 00:20:59,426 --> 00:21:02,554 but Ben's widow Lynlee has her suspicions. 440 00:21:03,847 --> 00:21:06,350 Maybe it was her brother-in-law Sam. 441 00:21:06,350 --> 00:21:07,309 ♪ 442 00:21:07,309 --> 00:21:09,436 SAM: Lynlee suggested that my relationship 443 00:21:09,436 --> 00:21:11,146 with the farm and the ownership levels 444 00:21:11,146 --> 00:21:12,856 and the fact that I was gonna have to leave the farm 445 00:21:12,856 --> 00:21:15,192 was motive for me to-to hurt Ben. 446 00:21:15,192 --> 00:21:16,902 ♪ 447 00:21:16,902 --> 00:21:18,195 NARRATOR: The whole history 448 00:21:18,195 --> 00:21:19,696 of the Renick family farm 449 00:21:19,696 --> 00:21:22,282 is what you would call complicated. 450 00:21:23,784 --> 00:21:27,204 Back in the '80s, Ben and Sam's father Frank Renick 451 00:21:28,038 --> 00:21:29,665 started a pet food company. 452 00:21:31,166 --> 00:21:33,293 Then he bought the land and built a big house 453 00:21:33,293 --> 00:21:35,546 where he raised his two boys. 454 00:21:35,546 --> 00:21:38,507 - Unfortunately, there was a gas leak. 455 00:21:38,507 --> 00:21:40,843 The house filled with gas and it exploded... 456 00:21:40,843 --> 00:21:42,636 ♪ 457 00:21:42,636 --> 00:21:44,263 ...and completely destroyed the home. 458 00:21:44,263 --> 00:21:47,099 ♪ 459 00:21:47,099 --> 00:21:48,517 And then immediately after that happened, 460 00:21:48,517 --> 00:21:52,271 my mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. 461 00:21:52,271 --> 00:21:56,024 ♪ We lost our way ♪ 462 00:21:56,024 --> 00:21:59,236 My father attempted to maintain the company, 463 00:21:59,236 --> 00:22:01,780 and however, with my mother being ill, 464 00:22:01,780 --> 00:22:03,615 a lot of the focus went to-to her. 465 00:22:04,491 --> 00:22:07,744 NARRATOR: Frank spent 15 years juggling the company, 466 00:22:07,744 --> 00:22:11,081 the property, and his wife's medical bills 467 00:22:11,081 --> 00:22:15,544 until it all came crashing down on June 4th, 2012. 468 00:22:15,544 --> 00:22:17,754 ♪ 469 00:22:17,754 --> 00:22:20,090 [siren wailing] 470 00:22:21,383 --> 00:22:22,676 DISPATCHER [over radio]: 20-29, come in. 471 00:22:22,676 --> 00:22:24,428 ♪ 472 00:22:24,428 --> 00:22:26,763 - Frank Renick is indicted by a federal grand jury. 473 00:22:26,763 --> 00:22:28,932 ♪ 474 00:22:28,932 --> 00:22:31,685 SAM: Unfortunately, he had taken investors' money 475 00:22:31,685 --> 00:22:34,021 and he used it to pay back other investors, 476 00:22:34,021 --> 00:22:37,399 and, and by the time we knew it was, it was too late. 477 00:22:37,983 --> 00:22:39,693 NARRATOR: Frank ripped off a lot of people. 478 00:22:39,693 --> 00:22:41,570 [siren wailing] 479 00:22:41,570 --> 00:22:43,197 ♪ 480 00:22:43,197 --> 00:22:44,990 OPERATOR: [echoing] 9-1-1. 481 00:22:44,990 --> 00:22:47,326 NARRATOR: It was millions of dollars 482 00:22:47,326 --> 00:22:50,078 and it could come back to bite him. 483 00:22:50,078 --> 00:22:51,580 - We were gonna lose our family farm. 484 00:22:51,580 --> 00:22:53,415 LUCAS: Frank wasn't willing to let that happen. 485 00:22:53,415 --> 00:22:54,875 ♪ 486 00:22:54,875 --> 00:22:57,211 BOBBETTE: Unfortunately, he took his life 487 00:22:57,211 --> 00:22:58,629 on Father's Day. 488 00:22:58,629 --> 00:23:03,008 ♪ 489 00:23:03,008 --> 00:23:06,261 And Ben was the one that found him in his home. 490 00:23:06,261 --> 00:23:07,554 ♪ 491 00:23:07,554 --> 00:23:09,431 NARRATOR: In a desperate attempt to salvage 492 00:23:09,431 --> 00:23:13,143 something for his sons, Frank shot himself. 493 00:23:13,143 --> 00:23:17,064 So maybe Frank's scam five years earlier, 494 00:23:17,064 --> 00:23:20,817 provoked a killer to finally seek revenge 495 00:23:20,817 --> 00:23:22,569 and shoot his young son. 496 00:23:23,737 --> 00:23:26,573 - It had to have been somebody from the past 497 00:23:26,573 --> 00:23:30,619 that still harbored a lot of bad feelings 498 00:23:30,619 --> 00:23:32,996 about his dad's legal problems. 499 00:23:32,996 --> 00:23:34,831 Maybe one of the investors. 500 00:23:34,831 --> 00:23:37,334 ♪ 501 00:23:37,334 --> 00:23:38,794 SAM: We definitely thought that 502 00:23:38,794 --> 00:23:40,170 that could have been an issue 503 00:23:40,170 --> 00:23:41,964 that related to Ben's murder. 504 00:23:41,964 --> 00:23:43,257 However, we didn't know. 505 00:23:43,257 --> 00:23:45,008 ♪ 506 00:23:45,008 --> 00:23:48,512 NARRATOR: Until one day in October, 2017, 507 00:23:48,512 --> 00:23:50,848 four months after Ben's death. 508 00:23:50,848 --> 00:23:55,018 - We had someone come to the property looking for Sam. 509 00:23:55,018 --> 00:23:57,187 ♪ 510 00:23:57,187 --> 00:24:00,357 We said he no longer lived on the property, he was gone. 511 00:24:00,357 --> 00:24:03,569 Then this guy said he heard about the murder, 512 00:24:03,569 --> 00:24:05,362 what happened and details, 513 00:24:05,362 --> 00:24:07,990 and he apparently knew Ben got shot in the head. 514 00:24:07,990 --> 00:24:09,741 ♪ 515 00:24:09,741 --> 00:24:11,869 We were, of course, a little freaked out about that. 516 00:24:11,869 --> 00:24:13,537 We contacted the authorities. 517 00:24:14,246 --> 00:24:16,582 NARRATOR: Suddenly investigators 518 00:24:16,582 --> 00:24:18,458 have another potential suspect. 519 00:24:19,168 --> 00:24:20,294 CHERYL: It was possible 520 00:24:20,294 --> 00:24:22,504 that one of Frank's investors 521 00:24:22,504 --> 00:24:24,464 wanted a little bit of revenge. 522 00:24:24,464 --> 00:24:26,175 The fact that one of the 523 00:24:26,175 --> 00:24:27,467 "supposed investors" showed up 524 00:24:28,552 --> 00:24:31,597 and knew these details that we didn't even know. 525 00:24:31,597 --> 00:24:33,557 So we were suspicious of him. 526 00:24:33,557 --> 00:24:34,850 ♪ 527 00:24:34,850 --> 00:24:36,310 NARRATOR: As investigators search 528 00:24:36,310 --> 00:24:38,103 for a scorned investor, 529 00:24:38,979 --> 00:24:41,815 friends and family noticed there's something up with Lynlee. 530 00:24:41,815 --> 00:24:44,610 ♪ 531 00:24:44,610 --> 00:24:46,904 - I think she had wanted to put this behind us 532 00:24:46,904 --> 00:24:48,572 and start over as she very quickly, 533 00:24:48,572 --> 00:24:50,324 soon after entered into another relationship. 534 00:24:50,866 --> 00:24:52,284 NARRATOR: Lynlee's new boyfriend 535 00:24:52,284 --> 00:24:55,412 is a local man named Brandon Blackwell. 536 00:24:56,455 --> 00:24:58,749 CHERYL: You really can't judge someone, you know, 537 00:24:58,749 --> 00:25:00,584 you lost the love of your life. 538 00:25:00,584 --> 00:25:03,921 You need that, you need some kind of comfort there. 539 00:25:04,755 --> 00:25:07,633 NARRATOR: Then in January, 2018, 540 00:25:07,633 --> 00:25:09,801 seven months after Ben's death, 541 00:25:10,844 --> 00:25:13,805 Lynlee dropped some crazy news. 542 00:25:13,805 --> 00:25:17,142 - She's like, just so you're not surprised, I'm pregnant. 543 00:25:17,809 --> 00:25:20,145 BOBBETTE: And I'm like, "Wow." 544 00:25:20,145 --> 00:25:21,021 You know. 545 00:25:21,021 --> 00:25:22,773 And we were, we were quite shocked. 546 00:25:22,773 --> 00:25:25,859 CHERYL: So Lynlee and Brandon ended up 547 00:25:25,859 --> 00:25:28,111 getting their own little townhouse, 548 00:25:28,111 --> 00:25:31,490 but she was looking a lot healthier now that she was pregnant. 549 00:25:31,490 --> 00:25:33,325 ♪ 550 00:25:33,325 --> 00:25:35,244 NARRATOR: Lynlee appears to be moving on 551 00:25:36,578 --> 00:25:38,830 while the investigation into Ben's murder 552 00:25:40,749 --> 00:25:41,959 is stuck in place. 553 00:25:42,835 --> 00:25:44,920 - I'm constantly in touch with Sam 554 00:25:45,587 --> 00:25:48,590 or a couple of the Highway Patrolmen that I know personally. 555 00:25:48,590 --> 00:25:50,050 We've been asking, you know, 556 00:25:51,134 --> 00:25:52,928 what's going on with Ben's murder? 557 00:25:52,928 --> 00:25:54,263 Where's the investigation? 558 00:25:54,263 --> 00:25:56,139 ♪ 559 00:25:56,139 --> 00:25:58,141 [indistinct police radio chatter] 560 00:25:58,141 --> 00:26:01,687 If you don't catch a murder right away, it goes cold. 561 00:26:01,687 --> 00:26:06,108 And so we were really worried that this somebody 562 00:26:06,108 --> 00:26:07,484 has gotten away with murder. 563 00:26:07,484 --> 00:26:08,944 ♪ 564 00:26:08,944 --> 00:26:11,196 NARRATOR: Months turn into two and a half years 565 00:26:11,196 --> 00:26:15,492 of frustration, grief, pain. 566 00:26:15,492 --> 00:26:18,287 Then in early January, 2020, 567 00:26:19,246 --> 00:26:20,789 investigators get lucky. 568 00:26:21,957 --> 00:26:25,252 Lynlee's boyfriend Brandon Blackwell is arrested 569 00:26:25,252 --> 00:26:28,547 on criminal charges, including stalking. 570 00:26:28,547 --> 00:26:32,467 And for years of nothing comes something big. 571 00:26:32,467 --> 00:26:33,510 ♪ 572 00:26:33,510 --> 00:26:35,554 LUCAS: On January 14th, 2020, 573 00:26:35,554 --> 00:26:38,557 Brandon Blackwell claims to have information 574 00:26:38,557 --> 00:26:40,893 about Ben Renick's murder. 575 00:26:45,647 --> 00:26:49,568 ♪ 576 00:26:52,029 --> 00:26:56,992 ♪ In the tug I feel it come to life ♪ 577 00:26:56,992 --> 00:27:01,788 ♪ The way it grows inside of me ♪ 578 00:27:01,788 --> 00:27:02,998 NARRATOR: Two and a half years 579 00:27:02,998 --> 00:27:04,750 after the murder of Ben Renick, 580 00:27:04,750 --> 00:27:06,793 there's a break in his cold case. 581 00:27:06,793 --> 00:27:09,046 ♪ 582 00:27:09,046 --> 00:27:13,800 Lynlee's boyfriend Brandon Blackwell has just been arrested. 583 00:27:13,800 --> 00:27:16,553 [indistinct chatter] 584 00:27:16,553 --> 00:27:18,764 And he's got a secret to share. 585 00:27:18,764 --> 00:27:21,642 He says he knows who killed Ben. 586 00:27:21,642 --> 00:27:23,185 ♪ 587 00:27:23,185 --> 00:27:25,270 - It was because of Brandon coming forward 588 00:27:25,270 --> 00:27:28,023 that we were able to get the case finally moving again. 589 00:27:28,941 --> 00:27:30,275 NARRATOR: Brandon has a baby 590 00:27:30,275 --> 00:27:32,778 with Ben's widow Lynlee Renick. 591 00:27:32,778 --> 00:27:35,948 But after their child is born, the relationship blows up 592 00:27:35,948 --> 00:27:39,201 and Lynlee files a restraining order against him. 593 00:27:39,201 --> 00:27:41,703 ♪ 594 00:27:41,703 --> 00:27:45,499 - So Brandon Blackwell has his own legal troubles to worry about. 595 00:27:46,083 --> 00:27:48,043 NARRATOR: He's charged with two counts 596 00:27:48,043 --> 00:27:50,254 of first degree stalking 597 00:27:50,254 --> 00:27:53,799 and five counts of violating a restraining order. 598 00:27:53,799 --> 00:27:58,470 ♪ 599 00:27:58,470 --> 00:28:01,682 LUCAS: He's in jail with a pretty significant bond. 600 00:28:01,682 --> 00:28:04,476 For violating the protection order that Lynlee took out against him 601 00:28:04,476 --> 00:28:08,355 and in a moment of incarceration, 602 00:28:08,355 --> 00:28:11,233 had something to give in order to get something. 603 00:28:18,949 --> 00:28:21,910 ♪ 604 00:28:21,910 --> 00:28:25,330 NARRATOR: Over the course of Brandon's relationship with Lynlee, 605 00:28:25,330 --> 00:28:28,333 he'd ask her about Ben's murder 606 00:28:28,333 --> 00:28:30,127 and something felt 607 00:28:31,461 --> 00:28:32,796 off. 608 00:28:32,796 --> 00:28:37,759 ♪ 609 00:28:37,759 --> 00:28:40,179 ♪ 610 00:28:51,857 --> 00:28:54,401 - He tells Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators 611 00:28:54,401 --> 00:28:56,320 that Lynlee had shot Ben. 612 00:28:56,320 --> 00:28:58,697 ♪ 613 00:28:58,697 --> 00:29:01,700 ♪ 614 00:29:01,700 --> 00:29:04,953 ♪ 615 00:29:04,953 --> 00:29:06,538 ♪ 616 00:29:11,710 --> 00:29:15,756 ♪ 617 00:29:15,756 --> 00:29:17,799 ♪ 618 00:29:21,929 --> 00:29:23,180 [cocks gun] 619 00:29:23,180 --> 00:29:24,223 ♪ 620 00:29:25,057 --> 00:29:27,017 ♪ 621 00:29:27,017 --> 00:29:29,019 [gunshot] 622 00:29:30,187 --> 00:29:32,981 [gun firing] 623 00:29:35,400 --> 00:29:38,529 ♪ 624 00:29:38,529 --> 00:29:40,489 ♪ 625 00:29:40,489 --> 00:29:42,407 - Brandon said Lynlee was the one who did it. 626 00:29:46,411 --> 00:29:47,913 NARRATOR: But is Brandon lying? 627 00:29:47,913 --> 00:29:50,123 ♪ 628 00:29:50,123 --> 00:29:53,585 Trying to fire back at Lynlee for getting him thrown in jail? 629 00:29:53,585 --> 00:29:54,586 [door buzzes] 630 00:29:55,671 --> 00:29:57,589 Why would Lynlee kill Ben? 631 00:29:57,589 --> 00:30:02,219 ♪ 632 00:30:02,219 --> 00:30:05,806 - He had just sold his snakes for almost a million dollars. 633 00:30:05,806 --> 00:30:08,392 ♪ 634 00:30:08,392 --> 00:30:09,560 He, according to the bank, 635 00:30:09,560 --> 00:30:12,104 was the sole owner of that property. 636 00:30:12,104 --> 00:30:16,066 And so when that happened, everything went to Lynlee. 637 00:30:16,066 --> 00:30:18,944 ♪ I'm on a mission, I'm about my business, I gotta get it ♪ 638 00:30:18,944 --> 00:30:21,280 Between the life insurance money... 639 00:30:21,280 --> 00:30:23,907 ♪ I'm on a mission, I'm about my business, I gotta get it ♪ 640 00:30:23,907 --> 00:30:24,825 ...a million dollars. 641 00:30:24,825 --> 00:30:27,452 The sale of snakes, a million dollars 642 00:30:27,452 --> 00:30:30,122 and about a million dollar family farm. 643 00:30:30,122 --> 00:30:31,748 She was set to inherit... 644 00:30:31,748 --> 00:30:34,251 ♪ I'm on a mission, I'm about my business, I gotta get it ♪ 645 00:30:34,251 --> 00:30:35,335 ♪ 646 00:30:35,335 --> 00:30:37,588 ...quite a bit after my brother's death. 647 00:30:37,588 --> 00:30:39,256 ♪ 648 00:30:39,256 --> 00:30:41,258 NARRATOR: Inheriting money isn't a crime, 649 00:30:42,384 --> 00:30:44,970 but it can be one hell of a motive. 650 00:30:44,970 --> 00:30:46,889 [indistinct police radio chatter] 651 00:30:46,889 --> 00:30:48,849 BOBBETTE: We wanted to still believe that, 652 00:30:48,849 --> 00:30:51,852 you know, she was innocent of everything. 653 00:30:51,852 --> 00:30:53,437 ♪ 654 00:30:53,437 --> 00:30:54,980 NARRATOR: Brandon tells investigators 655 00:30:54,980 --> 00:30:56,899 not to take his word for it. 656 00:30:56,899 --> 00:30:59,401 Then he gives police two names. 657 00:30:59,401 --> 00:31:03,906 Ashley Shaw and Rachel Hunt. 658 00:31:03,906 --> 00:31:06,116 They worked for Lynlee at her spa. 659 00:31:06,116 --> 00:31:07,784 - Hi, I'm Ashley, I'm the spa manager. 660 00:31:07,784 --> 00:31:10,204 - I'm Rachel and I'm one of the estheticians here. 661 00:31:10,204 --> 00:31:11,538 - And it wasn't until after that 662 00:31:11,538 --> 00:31:13,123 that the police had reached out 663 00:31:13,123 --> 00:31:15,876 to Ashley Shaw and Rachel Hunt. 664 00:31:15,876 --> 00:31:17,503 ♪ 665 00:31:17,503 --> 00:31:21,840 ♪ You got something to hide ♪ 666 00:31:21,840 --> 00:31:25,844 ♪ Secrets behind these lies ♪ 667 00:31:25,844 --> 00:31:28,555 CHERYL: So Ashley Shaw and Rachel Hunt 668 00:31:28,555 --> 00:31:30,057 have the same story 669 00:31:30,057 --> 00:31:32,142 that Lynlee admitted she pulled the trigger. 670 00:31:33,060 --> 00:31:36,813 LUCAS: Ashley Shaw has essentially told police 671 00:31:36,813 --> 00:31:40,651 that she knew about Lynlee's plot to kill Ben. 672 00:31:40,651 --> 00:31:44,029 ♪ I see trouble ♪ 673 00:31:44,029 --> 00:31:47,407 And in fact helped her with certain aspects of it. 674 00:31:47,407 --> 00:31:49,201 ♪ Trouble ♪ 675 00:31:49,201 --> 00:31:51,245 The state has given her immunity 676 00:31:51,245 --> 00:31:53,539 from first degree murder charges 677 00:31:53,539 --> 00:31:56,166 in exchange for giving up this information. 678 00:31:57,918 --> 00:31:59,837 NARRATOR: The plot includes a name 679 00:31:59,837 --> 00:32:02,297 that rings a bell with investigators, 680 00:32:02,297 --> 00:32:05,050 someone police questioned right after Ben was shot. 681 00:32:05,843 --> 00:32:08,262 Lynlee Renick's ex-boyfriend, 682 00:32:08,262 --> 00:32:09,930 Michael Humphrey. 683 00:32:09,930 --> 00:32:11,974 ♪ 684 00:32:11,974 --> 00:32:15,227 ♪ 685 00:32:15,227 --> 00:32:17,145 LUCAS: In June of 2017, 686 00:32:18,063 --> 00:32:20,274 Highway Patrol interviews Michael 687 00:32:21,775 --> 00:32:24,486 and they start asking him, 688 00:32:24,486 --> 00:32:25,737 "Do you know Lynlee Renick? 689 00:32:25,737 --> 00:32:27,656 ♪ 690 00:32:27,656 --> 00:32:30,325 Were you with her on June 8th of 2017?" 691 00:32:30,325 --> 00:32:31,368 ♪ 692 00:32:31,368 --> 00:32:32,369 NARRATOR: At the time, 693 00:32:32,369 --> 00:32:35,122 Michael claimed he got a massage at Lynlee's spa 694 00:32:35,122 --> 00:32:37,666 the day Ben was killed and then he went home. 695 00:32:37,666 --> 00:32:39,209 ♪ 696 00:32:39,209 --> 00:32:41,170 In 2017, 697 00:32:41,170 --> 00:32:43,630 police had no reason to hold Michael, 698 00:32:43,630 --> 00:32:45,090 so they let him go. 699 00:32:45,090 --> 00:32:46,925 ♪ 700 00:32:46,925 --> 00:32:48,177 [door buzzes] 701 00:32:49,928 --> 00:32:51,638 In 2020, 702 00:32:51,638 --> 00:32:53,015 not so much. 703 00:32:53,015 --> 00:32:55,475 ♪ 704 00:32:55,475 --> 00:32:57,144 - My name is Michael Humphrey. 705 00:32:57,144 --> 00:32:58,228 and I'm currently housed 706 00:32:58,228 --> 00:33:00,022 in the Jefferson City Correctional Center. 707 00:33:00,022 --> 00:33:03,233 ♪ 708 00:33:03,233 --> 00:33:06,028 NARRATOR: Michael now admits he went to the farm 709 00:33:06,028 --> 00:33:08,197 with Lynlee the day Ben died. 710 00:33:08,197 --> 00:33:09,823 ♪ 711 00:33:09,823 --> 00:33:11,742 MICHAEL HUMPHREY: Earlier Lynlee was filling me in 712 00:33:11,742 --> 00:33:14,745 on some different abuse situations that was going on 713 00:33:14,745 --> 00:33:16,371 with her and Ben. 714 00:33:17,414 --> 00:33:21,001 From physical altercations to different sexual altercations. 715 00:33:21,001 --> 00:33:23,837 ♪ 716 00:33:23,837 --> 00:33:25,339 She was like, "Can you go out there with me? 717 00:33:25,339 --> 00:33:26,882 I need somebody that I trust." 718 00:33:26,882 --> 00:33:28,300 ♪ 719 00:33:28,300 --> 00:33:31,303 Then she ends up telling me that she's going to try to kill him 720 00:33:31,303 --> 00:33:33,180 or wants somebody to try to kill him. 721 00:33:33,180 --> 00:33:35,974 ♪ 722 00:33:35,974 --> 00:33:37,809 NARRATOR: On the afternoon of June 8th, 723 00:33:39,645 --> 00:33:42,147 Michael says he picked Lynlee up at the spa 724 00:33:43,273 --> 00:33:44,983 and they drove to the farm. 725 00:33:44,983 --> 00:33:47,194 ♪ 726 00:33:47,194 --> 00:33:49,363 About 45 minutes away. 727 00:33:49,363 --> 00:33:54,910 ♪ 728 00:33:54,910 --> 00:33:56,787 MICHAEL: We're out there in the middle of nowhere. 729 00:33:56,787 --> 00:33:58,455 ♪ 730 00:33:58,455 --> 00:33:59,456 I figure she's gonna go down there 731 00:33:59,456 --> 00:34:01,375 and have her conversation that she needs to have. 732 00:34:01,375 --> 00:34:02,584 ♪ 733 00:34:02,584 --> 00:34:05,712 I'm more locked in on that there's a whole lot of snakes to this. 734 00:34:05,712 --> 00:34:06,880 ♪ 735 00:34:06,880 --> 00:34:09,758 And then the next thing I hear is a gunshot go off. 736 00:34:09,758 --> 00:34:10,843 ♪ 737 00:34:10,843 --> 00:34:12,261 [gunshot] 738 00:34:12,261 --> 00:34:14,805 When I look up, I see her posed up like this 739 00:34:15,556 --> 00:34:16,974 with a firearm in her hand. 740 00:34:16,974 --> 00:34:18,976 ♪ 741 00:34:18,976 --> 00:34:22,020 On the way out the door, I hear another two or three shots. 742 00:34:22,020 --> 00:34:23,313 [gun firing] 743 00:34:23,313 --> 00:34:24,982 ♪ 744 00:34:24,982 --> 00:34:26,984 After I'm outside, another one or two. 745 00:34:26,984 --> 00:34:28,652 [gun firing] 746 00:34:28,652 --> 00:34:29,695 ♪ 747 00:34:29,695 --> 00:34:31,697 Later I'm told there was eight total. 748 00:34:32,573 --> 00:34:34,366 NARRATOR: Humphrey swears up and down 749 00:34:34,366 --> 00:34:36,702 he had nothing to do with Ben's death. 750 00:34:36,702 --> 00:34:38,871 - Never meant for anybody to get hurt. 751 00:34:39,913 --> 00:34:41,331 I don't know the guy. 752 00:34:41,331 --> 00:34:44,376 I don't have any bad intentions for the guy whatsoever. 753 00:34:44,376 --> 00:34:48,505 NARRATOR: On January 16th, 2020, 754 00:34:48,505 --> 00:34:52,467 two and a half years after Ben Renick is gunned down, 755 00:34:52,467 --> 00:34:55,053 police are finally ready to make a move. 756 00:34:55,053 --> 00:35:00,559 ♪ 757 00:35:00,559 --> 00:35:03,145 ♪ 758 00:35:03,145 --> 00:35:04,771 SAM: So Michael and Lynlee 759 00:35:04,771 --> 00:35:07,316 were both arrested and charged for first degree murder. 760 00:35:07,316 --> 00:35:08,650 ♪ 761 00:35:08,650 --> 00:35:12,362 ♪ The mystery in you just pulls me in ♪ 762 00:35:12,362 --> 00:35:15,449 ♪ 763 00:35:15,449 --> 00:35:17,117 - My ex-boyfriend got a phone call 764 00:35:17,117 --> 00:35:19,494 that Lynlee was being arrested. 765 00:35:19,494 --> 00:35:20,537 ♪ 766 00:35:20,537 --> 00:35:22,998 ♪ Can't you see my eyes? ♪ 767 00:35:22,998 --> 00:35:25,250 ♪ I'm hypnotized ♪ 768 00:35:25,250 --> 00:35:29,379 When he told me that, I cried, um, I felt horrible. 769 00:35:29,379 --> 00:35:32,508 It still didn't make sense. 770 00:35:32,508 --> 00:35:34,551 - I just couldn't believe it, It just broke my heart. 771 00:35:34,551 --> 00:35:39,181 Knowing how their relationship was, 772 00:35:39,181 --> 00:35:42,976 knowing Lynlee and how sweet and loving 773 00:35:42,976 --> 00:35:46,271 and she, she is not the Lynlee I knew. 774 00:35:46,271 --> 00:35:48,649 ♪ I'm under your spell again ♪ 775 00:35:48,649 --> 00:35:51,944 ♪ 776 00:35:51,944 --> 00:35:54,655 [phone ringing] 777 00:35:55,239 --> 00:35:56,949 NARRATOR: But it's not so easy. 778 00:35:56,949 --> 00:36:01,078 Investigators have confessions and eyewitness accounts, 779 00:36:01,912 --> 00:36:03,830 but little to no hard evidence. 780 00:36:03,830 --> 00:36:05,123 ♪ 781 00:36:05,123 --> 00:36:06,792 Who really pulled the trigger? 782 00:36:06,792 --> 00:36:07,835 ♪ 783 00:36:07,835 --> 00:36:10,087 So they look at every bit of information 784 00:36:10,087 --> 00:36:12,214 they've collected on Ben Renick, 785 00:36:12,798 --> 00:36:15,092 including his phone records. 786 00:36:15,092 --> 00:36:17,302 - They had the messages that they were able to look at, 787 00:36:17,302 --> 00:36:21,139 text messages between Ben and his friend Chase. 788 00:36:21,139 --> 00:36:23,559 NARRATOR: Chase and Ben are great friends. 789 00:36:23,559 --> 00:36:26,103 They text each other nearly every day 790 00:36:26,103 --> 00:36:28,689 and in those text messages, 791 00:36:28,689 --> 00:36:32,067 a disturbing conspiracy comes into focus. 792 00:36:32,067 --> 00:36:35,445 A calculating plot with poison. 793 00:36:35,445 --> 00:36:37,906 - May 24th of 2017. 794 00:36:37,906 --> 00:36:40,409 "I have a fun story. 795 00:36:40,409 --> 00:36:41,702 "Food poisoning is dumb. 796 00:36:41,702 --> 00:36:42,995 Or just poisoning." 797 00:36:42,995 --> 00:36:44,830 NARRATOR: And Ben believes 798 00:36:44,830 --> 00:36:47,833 Lynlee is the one who poisoned him. 799 00:36:47,833 --> 00:36:50,502 LUCAS: Chase, "LMFAO. 800 00:36:50,502 --> 00:36:53,172 I literally think y'all were poisoned at this point." 801 00:36:53,172 --> 00:36:55,591 Ben, "Agreed. 802 00:36:55,591 --> 00:36:57,467 Or it was Lynlee all along." 803 00:36:57,467 --> 00:36:59,761 ♪ 804 00:36:59,761 --> 00:37:01,513 - Once the police took a closer look, 805 00:37:01,513 --> 00:37:03,765 they realized there was more there. 806 00:37:03,765 --> 00:37:05,142 It was definitely a red flag. 807 00:37:05,142 --> 00:37:06,018 ♪ 808 00:37:06,018 --> 00:37:07,644 [keypad beeping rapidly] 809 00:37:07,644 --> 00:37:09,605 OPERATOR: 9-1-1. What's the address of the emergency? 810 00:37:09,605 --> 00:37:10,981 NARRATOR: Did Lynlee Renick 811 00:37:10,981 --> 00:37:14,151 finish what she started with eight bullets? 812 00:37:14,151 --> 00:37:14,693 [gunshot] 813 00:37:19,406 --> 00:37:22,743 ♪ 814 00:37:25,871 --> 00:37:28,707 NARRATOR: In a series of texts before his murder, 815 00:37:29,958 --> 00:37:33,545 Ben Renick offers clues about who wanted him dead. 816 00:37:33,545 --> 00:37:35,130 ♪ Now I've been haunting ♪ 817 00:37:35,130 --> 00:37:37,716 ♪ Wrapping my arms around you ♪ 818 00:37:37,716 --> 00:37:41,512 NARRATOR: The clues point to his wife Lynlee. 819 00:37:41,512 --> 00:37:43,639 But first a little backstory. 820 00:37:43,639 --> 00:37:46,892 ♪ Only death knows ♪ 821 00:37:46,892 --> 00:37:47,768 ♪ 822 00:37:47,768 --> 00:37:51,104 ♪ Are you afraid, are you afraid of dying? ♪ 823 00:37:51,104 --> 00:37:55,484 It begins about two weeks before Ben is killed. 824 00:37:55,484 --> 00:37:57,486 - May 23rd, 2017. 825 00:37:57,486 --> 00:38:00,989 Lynlee had told a spa employee Ashley Shaw 826 00:38:00,989 --> 00:38:03,033 that Ben had been abusive. 827 00:38:03,033 --> 00:38:06,745 Lynlee never filed any police reports about the alleged physical abuse. 828 00:38:06,745 --> 00:38:09,790 ♪ 829 00:38:09,790 --> 00:38:13,043 Ashley felt sorry for Lynlee and wanted to help her. 830 00:38:13,043 --> 00:38:18,340 Ashley and Lynlee got about 12 to 15 Percocet pills. 831 00:38:18,340 --> 00:38:20,217 ♪ 832 00:38:20,217 --> 00:38:23,637 And their plan was to grind up the Percocet pills... 833 00:38:23,637 --> 00:38:25,180 ♪ 834 00:38:25,180 --> 00:38:27,140 ...and put them in a smoothie. 835 00:38:27,140 --> 00:38:30,102 ♪ 836 00:38:30,102 --> 00:38:33,605 Lynlee gave it to Ben under the guise of, 837 00:38:33,605 --> 00:38:35,274 "Could you please try this shake? 838 00:38:35,274 --> 00:38:37,025 We're thinking of selling it to customers." 839 00:38:37,025 --> 00:38:38,569 ♪ 840 00:38:38,569 --> 00:38:42,573 Shortly after Ben and Lynlee both drink the shake, 841 00:38:42,573 --> 00:38:44,366 Ben becomes very ill. 842 00:38:44,366 --> 00:38:46,326 [retching and coughing] 843 00:38:47,786 --> 00:38:49,830 - If he hadn't thrown up, he probably would've died. 844 00:38:49,830 --> 00:38:53,041 ♪ 845 00:38:53,041 --> 00:38:54,126 ♪ 846 00:38:54,126 --> 00:38:57,004 NARRATOR: Ben tells his friend Chase what happened. 847 00:38:57,004 --> 00:38:59,464 LUCAS: May 24th of 2017. 848 00:38:59,464 --> 00:39:01,175 "LMAO. 849 00:39:01,175 --> 00:39:03,468 "Why would she do it to herself too? 850 00:39:03,468 --> 00:39:06,221 "Maybe the customer gave it to you and laughed 851 00:39:06,221 --> 00:39:08,390 because they dislike their service." 852 00:39:08,390 --> 00:39:10,184 Ben, "Right? 853 00:39:10,184 --> 00:39:12,436 "Maybe, who knows why. 854 00:39:12,436 --> 00:39:16,732 She didn't seem as bad as me, so--" 855 00:39:16,732 --> 00:39:17,816 From Chase, 856 00:39:17,816 --> 00:39:19,943 "LMAO. Lighter dose." 857 00:39:20,736 --> 00:39:21,945 From Ben, 858 00:39:21,945 --> 00:39:23,780 "Besides, she needs the deal 859 00:39:23,780 --> 00:39:26,450 "to pan out first before I die, 860 00:39:26,450 --> 00:39:28,911 "she would walk away with legit three mil 861 00:39:28,911 --> 00:39:31,788 "before selling property for another mil. 862 00:39:31,788 --> 00:39:33,540 "If I died next year, 863 00:39:33,540 --> 00:39:35,751 "Lynlee would be set for life. 864 00:39:35,751 --> 00:39:36,668 Fuck." 865 00:39:36,668 --> 00:39:38,837 ♪ 866 00:39:38,837 --> 00:39:40,339 NARRATOR: The deal calls for Ben 867 00:39:40,339 --> 00:39:43,050 to be paid in installments. 868 00:39:43,050 --> 00:39:44,801 SAM: Ben was in the process of selling 869 00:39:44,801 --> 00:39:48,764 a large majority of his snakes to a-a major buyer 870 00:39:48,764 --> 00:39:52,184 and Ben had received payments in part 871 00:39:52,184 --> 00:39:55,145 for the first half of this transaction 872 00:39:55,145 --> 00:39:57,397 and the other rest of the transaction 873 00:39:57,397 --> 00:39:59,066 should have just sailed right through. 874 00:39:59,066 --> 00:40:02,611 However, when Ben was murdered, um, 875 00:40:02,611 --> 00:40:04,029 it was renegotiated. 876 00:40:04,029 --> 00:40:07,032 This murder had everything to do with money. 877 00:40:07,032 --> 00:40:10,118 ♪ Truth be told, I'm leaving ♪ 878 00:40:10,118 --> 00:40:13,580 ♪ You're so cruel, you're the devil in disguise ♪ 879 00:40:13,580 --> 00:40:16,083 ♪ Death on the path you're leading ♪ 880 00:40:16,625 --> 00:40:19,670 ♪ I've seen the madness in your eyes ♪ 881 00:40:20,629 --> 00:40:23,799 NARRATOR: Now Lynlee and her ex-boyfriend Michael Humphrey 882 00:40:23,799 --> 00:40:26,677 both face charges of first degree murder. 883 00:40:26,677 --> 00:40:28,846 ♪ 884 00:40:28,846 --> 00:40:31,306 But only one of them shot Ben. 885 00:40:31,306 --> 00:40:33,976 - Humphrey claims that 886 00:40:33,976 --> 00:40:35,435 Lynlee is the one that pulled the trigger, 887 00:40:35,435 --> 00:40:39,565 while Lynlee claims that Michael Humphrey is the one that pulled the trigger. 888 00:40:39,565 --> 00:40:41,400 ♪ 889 00:40:41,400 --> 00:40:43,527 NARRATOR: Michael goes on trial first 890 00:40:43,527 --> 00:40:45,904 in October, 2021. 891 00:40:45,904 --> 00:40:49,408 More than four years after Ben's death. 892 00:40:49,408 --> 00:40:51,243 LUCAS: The state says Michael knows 893 00:40:51,243 --> 00:40:52,786 what they're going to go and do, 894 00:40:52,786 --> 00:40:54,413 that under the law 895 00:40:54,413 --> 00:40:57,082 he bears as much legal responsibility 896 00:40:57,082 --> 00:40:59,918 for the charge of first degree murder, as does Lynlee, 897 00:40:59,918 --> 00:41:01,962 who the state says pulled the trigger. 898 00:41:01,962 --> 00:41:04,756 ♪ 899 00:41:04,756 --> 00:41:06,300 NARRATOR: The defense argues 900 00:41:06,300 --> 00:41:08,719 Michael only drove Lynlee to the farm, 901 00:41:08,719 --> 00:41:11,138 that he never planned to hurt Ben. 902 00:41:11,138 --> 00:41:14,975 - So I took it upon myself to bring her a firearm that I'd had. 903 00:41:15,976 --> 00:41:18,770 When I went into the spa that day and I told her, 904 00:41:18,770 --> 00:41:20,522 "You could use this for self-defense." 905 00:41:20,522 --> 00:41:23,025 And then I gave her that firearm. 906 00:41:23,025 --> 00:41:25,736 ♪ 907 00:41:25,736 --> 00:41:28,906 CHERYL: I do not believe Humphrey saying that 908 00:41:28,906 --> 00:41:31,950 he went there not knowing what was gonna happen. 909 00:41:31,950 --> 00:41:35,662 ♪ 910 00:41:35,662 --> 00:41:40,459 I genuinely believe he did go there with a full, you know, intent to do it 911 00:41:40,459 --> 00:41:42,377 and she ended up just 912 00:41:43,670 --> 00:41:44,630 doing it herself. 913 00:41:46,048 --> 00:41:47,382 [gunshot] 914 00:41:47,382 --> 00:41:48,509 ♪ 915 00:41:48,509 --> 00:41:52,054 [gun firing] 916 00:41:52,054 --> 00:41:53,722 ♪ 917 00:41:53,722 --> 00:41:54,556 [gunshot] 918 00:41:54,556 --> 00:41:59,436 ♪ 919 00:41:59,436 --> 00:42:01,063 ♪ 920 00:42:01,063 --> 00:42:03,440 NARRATOR: The jury deliberates for a few hours 921 00:42:03,440 --> 00:42:04,942 before returning a verdict. 922 00:42:04,942 --> 00:42:06,276 ♪ 923 00:42:06,276 --> 00:42:10,822 Michael Humphrey is guilty of first degree murder. 924 00:42:10,822 --> 00:42:15,077 ♪ 925 00:42:15,077 --> 00:42:19,164 - When they first initially announced the verdict, disbelief, 926 00:42:19,164 --> 00:42:21,124 a hundred percent disbelief. 927 00:42:21,124 --> 00:42:24,419 ♪ 928 00:42:24,419 --> 00:42:26,505 - The state had waived the death penalty in this case. 929 00:42:27,381 --> 00:42:29,550 He has only one sentence he can receive 930 00:42:29,550 --> 00:42:32,094 and that his life in prison without parole. 931 00:42:32,094 --> 00:42:34,304 [rattles, thuds] 932 00:42:34,304 --> 00:42:35,639 - It's a lot to take in. 933 00:42:35,639 --> 00:42:37,349 ♪ 934 00:42:37,349 --> 00:42:38,350 You're never going home. 935 00:42:38,350 --> 00:42:39,643 ♪ 936 00:42:39,643 --> 00:42:42,688 - His fate's been sealed with this conviction. 937 00:42:42,688 --> 00:42:45,858 ♪ 938 00:42:45,858 --> 00:42:47,442 NARRATOR: Two months later, 939 00:42:47,442 --> 00:42:50,070 Lynlee Renick murder trial begins. 940 00:42:50,070 --> 00:42:51,905 LUCAS: This is the person 941 00:42:51,905 --> 00:42:53,407 they say pulled the trigger. 942 00:42:53,407 --> 00:42:54,908 This is Ben's wife, 943 00:42:54,908 --> 00:42:59,830 this is the state trying to prove who did this. 944 00:42:59,830 --> 00:43:01,373 If they can't prove this, 945 00:43:02,791 --> 00:43:04,376 then what is their theory anyway? 946 00:43:04,376 --> 00:43:05,252 [camera shutter clicks] 947 00:43:06,253 --> 00:43:07,171 SAM: During the trial, 948 00:43:07,171 --> 00:43:11,592 it came out that Ben and Lynlee had fought over the finances 949 00:43:11,592 --> 00:43:13,760 of the spa, which weren't going well. 950 00:43:13,760 --> 00:43:16,054 I believe she's pulling money out of the spa 951 00:43:16,054 --> 00:43:18,348 for personal use and-and other things, 952 00:43:18,348 --> 00:43:19,850 things that Ben didn't even know about 953 00:43:19,850 --> 00:43:24,479 and that he was going to be informed of that by the bank prior to the murder. 954 00:43:24,479 --> 00:43:27,441 ♪ 955 00:43:27,441 --> 00:43:28,650 ♪ 956 00:43:28,650 --> 00:43:30,152 LUCAS: These financial issues 957 00:43:30,152 --> 00:43:31,653 are a huge part of the case 958 00:43:31,653 --> 00:43:33,488 because it also speaks 959 00:43:33,488 --> 00:43:37,451 to what motive Lynlee may have had to kill Ben Renick. 960 00:43:37,451 --> 00:43:41,872 If he's questioning her business acumen, hounding her about money 961 00:43:41,872 --> 00:43:43,457 and that might upset someone to the point 962 00:43:43,457 --> 00:43:45,918 that they maybe wanna kill that person. 963 00:43:45,918 --> 00:43:48,378 NARRATOR: Prosecutors also reveal 964 00:43:48,378 --> 00:43:50,547 Lynlee's history of cheating. 965 00:43:50,547 --> 00:43:51,924 ASHLEY SHAW: They were together. 966 00:43:53,842 --> 00:43:54,468 - Right. 967 00:43:54,468 --> 00:43:56,637 NARRATOR: This wasn't the fairytale marriage 968 00:43:56,637 --> 00:43:59,014 everyone thought it was. 969 00:43:59,014 --> 00:44:01,391 - During the marriage she had numerous affairs. 970 00:44:01,391 --> 00:44:02,726 ♪ 971 00:44:02,726 --> 00:44:04,061 SAM: She had a very active 972 00:44:04,061 --> 00:44:05,229 Ashley Madison account 973 00:44:05,229 --> 00:44:07,064 while she was married to my brother. 974 00:44:07,064 --> 00:44:08,607 ♪ 975 00:44:08,607 --> 00:44:12,694 And she was involved in multiple affairs prior to the murder. 976 00:44:12,694 --> 00:44:15,572 CHERYL: And they just always seemed happy. 977 00:44:15,572 --> 00:44:17,824 It just warps your reality. 978 00:44:18,784 --> 00:44:20,702 NARRATOR: And then another surprise, 979 00:44:20,702 --> 00:44:23,789 the defense calls their star witness. 980 00:44:24,790 --> 00:44:26,667 LUCAS: It's not often that somebody takes the stand 981 00:44:26,667 --> 00:44:28,085 in their own defense. 982 00:44:28,085 --> 00:44:31,255 ♪ Play along with the game ♪ 983 00:44:31,255 --> 00:44:32,631 - Hey, I'm Lynlee Renick. 984 00:44:32,631 --> 00:44:35,634 ♪ Do whatever it takes ♪ 985 00:44:35,634 --> 00:44:37,052 SAM: When she got on the stand, 986 00:44:37,052 --> 00:44:38,637 she knew exactly what she was doing. 987 00:44:38,637 --> 00:44:41,765 - Ben started really, getting really upset 988 00:44:41,765 --> 00:44:46,019 about all of the time that I was focusing on the kids 989 00:44:46,019 --> 00:44:49,940 instead of dedicating it to him and Renick Reptiles. 990 00:44:49,940 --> 00:44:51,066 - Lynlee testified that 991 00:44:52,526 --> 00:44:55,904 she had gone out there with Michael 992 00:44:55,904 --> 00:44:58,282 to confront Ben about a divorce. 993 00:44:58,282 --> 00:45:01,743 - Michael turned around and I saw a gun in his hands 994 00:45:02,327 --> 00:45:03,662 and then I heard shots. 995 00:45:03,662 --> 00:45:04,413 [gunshot] 996 00:45:04,413 --> 00:45:05,831 ♪ 997 00:45:05,831 --> 00:45:09,084 And everything just went numb. 998 00:45:09,084 --> 00:45:11,336 ♪ Who did we become? ♪ 999 00:45:11,336 --> 00:45:13,547 ♪ 1000 00:45:13,547 --> 00:45:15,757 SAM: And then she was so distraught, 1001 00:45:17,050 --> 00:45:19,094 she got back in the car with him 1002 00:45:19,094 --> 00:45:20,846 and went about her day. 1003 00:45:20,846 --> 00:45:24,516 Continuing to text Michael, other people. 1004 00:45:24,516 --> 00:45:25,934 ♪ 1005 00:45:25,934 --> 00:45:28,937 She even put it on a show for the school to pick up the kids. 1006 00:45:28,937 --> 00:45:30,230 She covered her tracks 1007 00:45:30,230 --> 00:45:34,026 before and after the murder. 1008 00:45:34,026 --> 00:45:35,944 ATTORNEY: Do you regret it? 1009 00:45:35,944 --> 00:45:37,112 - Yes. 1010 00:45:37,112 --> 00:45:39,740 CHERYL: She was the "woe is me, I'm the victim." 1011 00:45:39,740 --> 00:45:41,742 To me that was a complete show. 1012 00:45:42,743 --> 00:45:43,827 Complete BS. 1013 00:45:45,204 --> 00:45:46,955 BOBBETTE: Both sides rested their case 1014 00:45:46,955 --> 00:45:52,377 and the jury goes out to look over all of the evidence. 1015 00:45:53,462 --> 00:45:55,297 And we're feeling pretty confident. 1016 00:45:56,006 --> 00:45:57,049 ♪ 1017 00:45:57,049 --> 00:46:01,345 You know, that she's gonna get life. 1018 00:46:01,345 --> 00:46:05,098 ♪ 1019 00:46:05,098 --> 00:46:07,434 And the longer, the more hours go by, 1020 00:46:07,434 --> 00:46:09,436 the more concerned we're getting. 1021 00:46:09,436 --> 00:46:11,897 NARRATOR: In the Show-Me state of Missouri, 1022 00:46:11,897 --> 00:46:14,733 juries can convict for first degree murder 1023 00:46:14,733 --> 00:46:17,027 or settle on a lesser offense. 1024 00:46:17,027 --> 00:46:21,114 Juries also determine the sentence for any reduced charge. 1025 00:46:21,114 --> 00:46:23,325 So when the decision finally arrives, 1026 00:46:23,325 --> 00:46:26,161 everyone is holding their breath. 1027 00:46:26,161 --> 00:46:28,580 - The jury in Lynlee Renick's case 1028 00:46:28,580 --> 00:46:33,418 says that she was guilty of murder in the second degree. 1029 00:46:33,418 --> 00:46:36,338 ♪ 1030 00:46:36,338 --> 00:46:39,216 SAM: They gave her 13 years, 1031 00:46:39,216 --> 00:46:40,676 just over the minimum of ten 1032 00:46:40,676 --> 00:46:43,178 and three years for armed criminal action. 1033 00:46:43,178 --> 00:46:44,888 JUDGE: I don't know what they were thinking. 1034 00:46:44,888 --> 00:46:46,974 Somehow they got confused. 1035 00:46:46,974 --> 00:46:49,142 You're awful lucky, ma'am. 1036 00:46:49,142 --> 00:46:51,311 You're gonna get out in your 40s, 1037 00:46:51,311 --> 00:46:53,647 and my 40s weren't too bad. 1038 00:46:53,647 --> 00:46:56,358 I just hope you don't kill again. 1039 00:46:56,358 --> 00:46:57,651 That's it. 1040 00:46:57,651 --> 00:47:00,696 ♪ Turn down the lights ♪ 1041 00:47:00,696 --> 00:47:04,616 NARRATOR: In a way, Sam Renick was right all along. 1042 00:47:04,616 --> 00:47:06,326 ♪ 1043 00:47:10,080 --> 00:47:13,041 NARRATOR: His little brother was killed by a snake. 1044 00:47:13,041 --> 00:47:14,459 ♪ 1045 00:47:14,459 --> 00:47:17,838 - It's tough, I mean, she would've gotten more years in prison 1046 00:47:17,838 --> 00:47:21,300 if she had walked in there and killed all of those snakes. 1047 00:47:21,300 --> 00:47:24,928 Eight bullets into my brother's 29-year-old body. 1048 00:47:24,928 --> 00:47:26,054 He deserved better. 1049 00:47:26,054 --> 00:47:27,181 ♪ 1050 00:47:27,181 --> 00:47:28,348 ♪ 1051 00:47:28,348 --> 00:47:29,266 MICHAEL: In the long run at this point, 1052 00:47:29,266 --> 00:47:30,767 I'm the one sitting here on a life sentence 1053 00:47:30,767 --> 00:47:32,436 while she has 13 years. 1054 00:47:33,729 --> 00:47:34,771 That's... that's 1055 00:47:36,481 --> 00:47:37,399 unbelievable. 1056 00:47:37,399 --> 00:47:39,026 ♪ 1057 00:47:39,026 --> 00:47:41,862 NARRATOR: Despite her sentence, in the end, 1058 00:47:41,862 --> 00:47:44,406 Ben was able to catch his killer 1059 00:47:44,406 --> 00:47:46,909 through the messages he left behind. 1060 00:47:46,909 --> 00:47:48,202 ♪ 1061 00:47:48,202 --> 00:47:53,123 - It was a crucial part of the case in keeping Lynlee squarely in their sights 1062 00:47:53,123 --> 00:47:55,667 and obviously played a huge part in the trial. 1063 00:47:55,667 --> 00:47:59,129 ♪ 1064 00:47:59,129 --> 00:48:00,756 SAM: Lynlee's gonna be out someday. 1065 00:48:00,756 --> 00:48:04,927 I want her to know that she'll never be free of this. 1066 00:48:04,927 --> 00:48:07,846 I won't forget and I don't want others to, either. 1067 00:48:08,764 --> 00:48:13,101 ♪ 1068 00:48:14,144 --> 00:48:17,439 ♪ I don't know where my head is lately ♪ 1069 00:48:17,439 --> 00:48:19,900 ♪ Have I lost my mind? ♪ 1070 00:48:19,900 --> 00:48:24,988 ♪ 1071 00:48:24,988 --> 00:48:27,699 ♪ 1072 00:48:27,699 --> 00:48:31,119 ♪ But I know that I have a secret ♪ 1073 00:48:31,119 --> 00:48:33,705 ♪ And it's only mine ♪ 1074 00:48:33,705 --> 00:48:37,543 ♪ 1075 00:48:37,543 --> 00:48:41,338 ♪ 1076 00:48:41,338 --> 00:48:44,716 ♪ And the only way to find me ♪ 1077 00:48:44,716 --> 00:48:48,804 ♪ Is to go beneath the lies ♪ 1078 00:48:48,804 --> 00:48:51,807 ♪