An inheritance scam entangles a North Dakota woman in a web of lies, leading to a tragic antifreeze poisoning.
At a Glance
- Ina Thea Kenoyer sentenced to 25 years for murdering her boyfriend, Steven Edward Riley Jr.
- A fictitious $30 million inheritance motivated the murder.
- North Dakota does not recognize common-law marriages Kenoyer believed she was entitled to.
- Evidence included poisoned tea, beer mugs, and corroborated confessions.
Antifreeze Poisoning for a Non-existent Fortune
Ina Thea Kenoyer, at 48 years old, received a 25-year prison sentence after being convicted for murdering her boyfriend, Steven Edward Riley Jr., by poisoning his tea with antifreeze. Kenoyer’s actions stemmed from her belief in gaining access to a $30 million inheritance, which was later exposed as a scam. City onlookers and the conservative community have been left to grapple with this deceitfully tragic episode that claimed Silastra’s life.
Riley’s untimely death on September 5, 2023, followed days of unexplained illness. Upon hospitalization on September 3, Riley succumbed to ethylene glycol poisoning found by autopsy. Kenoyer confessed, admitting to contaminating Riley’s sweet tea, which tragically ended in his demise. The state’s lack of recognition concerning common-law marriage further fueled Kenoyer’s misconceptions that led to her heinous act.
North Dakota woman to serve 25 years in prison for fatally poisoning boyfriend https://t.co/1xsJGsoBMV
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 18, 2024
Evidence and Arrest
Law enforcement found incriminating evidence at the couple’s residence, including a glass beer mug, a plastic beer container, and a Windex bottle, all containing antifreeze. These corroborated Kenoyer’s unfortunate previous threats to poison Riley. Friends and family recall her mentioning plans similar to how events unfolded. The severity of the case underscored the importance of due diligence and careful trust in unforeseen financial opportunities.
“You stole more than a human life. You stole a son from his mother and stepfather,” Riley’s sister, Stephanie Gonzalez, said, according to a report from local NBC and Fox affiliate KMOT. “You stole a father from five sons, a brother from two sisters, an uncle from 12 nieces and nephews, and a great uncle to eight, and many friends. How does it feel to have taken so much for absolutely nothing?”
On October 30, 2023, authorities arrested Kenoyer on charges of Class AA Felony Murder, citing financial motives. She pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, forgoing the chance to stand trial for a lesser charge. The calculated misinterpretation of a grand financial gain description deteriorated any civilized resolution between common-law coincidences or legal recognition.
Impactful Sentencing and Community Healing
Throughout the trial, victim impact statements resonated with heartfelt loss. Stephanie Gonzalez, Riley’s sister, recounted the extensive family affected by his tragic and untimely passing. The case complexity was highlighted by Investigations Commander Capt. Dale Plessas, who extended gratitude to all who aided the investigation’s success and resolution.
“This case was extremely complex,” Investigations Commander Capt. Dale Plessas said in a statement following the arrest. “Thank you to everyone who provided us with information that helped our investigators piece this together.”
In addition to her sentence, Kenoyer must repay $3,455 in restitution to Riley’s family. This case serves as a somber reminder that diligence and transparency must prevail when interwoven with the lure of sudden wealth. The healing of Riley’s family and community will continue as they honor his memory, undeterred by the impact of such an unfathomable crime.
