A North Dakota woman, Ina Thea Kenoyer, aged 47, has been charged with the murder of her boyfriend, Steven Edward Riley Jr, aged 51, after allegedly poisoning him. The police reported that the murder was financially motivated, as Kenoyer learned about Riley’s plans to end their relationship shortly after he had inherited a substantial sum of $30 million.
According to authorities, Riley became ill after meeting with his attorney on September 3 to collect his massive inheritance. Kenoyer, however, did not contact emergency services until the following day when paramedics arrived at Riley’s home in Minot to find him unresponsive. Despite their efforts, he passed away in the hospital the day after.
An autopsy conducted on Riley revealed that he had been killed by ingesting antifreeze, which investigators allege was administered to him by Kenoyer. She was subsequently charged with AA felony murder, one of the most severe murder charges in North Dakota.
Kenoyer, who has taken to nonsensical Facebook posts proclaiming her innocence, claimed that Riley had taken his own life. She asserted that she planned to share Riley’s significant inheritance with his son, estimating the amount at around $30 million. However, it’s important to note that North Dakota does not recognize common-law marriages, which Kenoyer believed would entitle her to the inheritance. Investigators suspect that the motive for the alleged poisoning was securing the substantial inheritance, given Riley’s intention to end their relationship.
Kenoyer is currently held without bond at the Ward County Detention Center and is representing herself in court, as confirmed by court records.