A woman has been accused of killing her boyfriend by poisoning him just hours after he inherited a $30 million fortune.
Ina Thea Kenoyer, 47, was charged with class AA felony murder after allegedly killing her boyfriend Steven Edward Riley Jr., 51, last month, according to a press release from the Minot Police Department on Tuesday.
Riley died on September 5, 2023, at a Bismarck hospital, and his autopsy found that his cause of death was poisoning, with the New York Times reporting that it stated he was poisoned by ethylene glycol, which is the main ingredient in antifreeze.
After his death Kenoyer, from North Dakota, told authorities that she was entitled to part of the $30 million inheritance as Riley's "common law" wife, and was allegedly "incensed" when investigators told her the state doesn't recognize her as the common law life.
There had been reports about tension in the couple's relationship and Riley was allegedly planning to leave Kenoyer - who he had been with for 10 years - after receiving the large inheritance.
According to the affidavit, which was obtained by the outlet, Riley's family claimed Kenoyer had made comments about poisoning him with antifreeze before and after he died, while a friend also claimed that she saw Kenoyer dump Riley's belongings outside their home on the day he started to feel unwell.
Riley had been on his way to meet his lawyer and collect his inheritance when he became ill suddenly on September 3, complaining of stomach pains.
Kenoyer allegedly phoned 911 for him on September 4 when paramedics found him unresponsive in his home, and he was rushed to hospital where he died a day later.
Kenoyer had reportedly claimed that Riley had been drinking and had suffered a heat stroke despite his autopsy showing evidence of poisoning and stating that there was no alcohol in his system at the time of his death. A bottle of window cleaning solution was also found in the living room, believed to contain antifreeze.
She is now facing an AA felony murder charge, the most severe murder charge in North Dakota, which could face a maximum penalty of life in prison without the chance of parole if found guilty.
Court records seen by Daily Mail show Kenoyer is being held without bond at the Ward County Detention Center and is representing herself.
Investigations Commander Capt, Dale Plessas said in a press release from the Minot Police Department on Tuesday: "This case was extremely complex. Thank you to everyone who provided us with information that helped our investigators piece this together."
The investigation is ongoing.
