Eli Weaver Story, wikipedia, wiki, wife, Release date, height, birthday, children
Eli Weaver Story, wikipedia, wiki, wife, Release date, height, birthday, children – In the peaceful and conservative Amish community of Apple Creek, Ohio, a shocking and brutal murder sent shockwaves through the tight-knit society in June 2009. Barbara Weaver, a young mother of five, was found dead in her own home. The investigation that followed would reveal disturbing secrets within the community and ultimately lead to the arrest and conviction of her husband, Eli Weaver, and another woman, Barbara Raber. Let’s delve into the tragic events that unfolded in this close-knit community.
Barbara Weaver’s Life
Barbara D. Weaver, born in February 1979, had spent most of her life in Apple Creek. She married Eli Weaver in May 1999, and together they raised five children. Barbara was a beloved member of the community, known for her kindness and devotion to her family. Her life seemed idyllic until that fateful morning on June 2, 2009.
The Horrific Discovery
On that morning, tragedy struck. One of Barbara’s children woke up to make a horrifying discovery. Barbara was found lifeless in her bed, a victim of a single gunshot wound to the chest, inflicted by a .410-gauge shotgun. The shock of her death reverberated through the community.
Suspicion Falls on Eli Weaver
As investigators delved into the case, they quickly ruled out robbery as a motive. There were no signs of forced entry, and money left in plain view remained untouched. Suspicion began to focus on Barbara’s husband, Eli Weaver, who was not at home when the authorities arrived.
Eli had been on a fishing trip with friends and claimed he had last seen his wife around 3 AM that morning. However, as the investigation deepened, troubling details about the Weavers’ marriage began to surface. Barbara’s sister revealed that Eli had been unfaithful in the past, leaving the marriage on multiple occasions to be with non-Amish women. Each time, he returned after being allowed back by the community elders.
Eli’s Online Affairs
The authorities discovered a new dimension to the case when they uncovered Eli’s online activities. He had been engaging in conversations with several women, revealing an ongoing pattern of infidelity. During these conversations, Eli expressed his unhappiness in the marriage and, shockingly, discussed the possibility of having his wife killed.
The Other Barbara
One name that emerged in the investigation was Barbara Raber. Barbara Raber had known Eli for a decade and had been in a relationship with him for approximately six years. She was previously part of the Amish community but had left it behind and was now a married mother of three. Locally, she was known as the “taxi lady” due to her taxi service.
Raber confessed to having an affair with Eli but claimed it had ended roughly six months before Barbara Weaver’s murder. However, a startling discovery shifted the narrative. Eli’s secret cellphone revealed that he and Raber were still involved. What’s more, the phone was registered in Raber’s name.
A Shocking Plot Unveiled
The messages exchanged between Eli and Raber were chilling. They discussed plans to eliminate Barbara Weaver, considering methods like poisoning, medication, and even blowing up the house with the children inside. Eli rationalized his plan, believing that the innocent children would go to heaven. Messages also included instructions on where to park the car and that the garage door would be unlocked.
Raber’s search history on her computer further solidified the evidence against her. She had looked up information on poisons, gases, and ways to “get rid of someone.” Initially, she admitted to going to the Weavers’ home at around 4:30 AM but insisted that her intention was merely to scare Barbara. She claimed the gunshot was an accidental discharge and exclaimed, “I never intended for anything to happen, but when it did, it was, like, ‘Oh crap.'”
Shifting Stories and Additional Complications
Raber’s account of events continued to shift. At one point, she claimed to have no memory of ever being inside the Weavers’ residence. A voicemail left for Eli on June 3 added another layer of mystery. The voicemail warned Eli that he couldn’t hide, hinting at a mistake made the previous night. However, Raber’s friend later testified that he left the voicemail at her request.
Further complicating matters, a gun store owner testified that Raber had purchased a .410-gauge shotgun in November 2008, which raised more questions about her involvement.
Justice Served
Eli Weaver eventually pleaded guilty to complicity to commit murder in August 2009. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to testify against Barbara Raber. In September 2009, he was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Records show that he remains incarcerated at the Grafton Correctional Institution in Lorain County, Ohio, with parole eligibility in 2024.
At Barbara Raber’s trial, the defense argued that Eli was the true perpetrator and had manipulated her. Despite these claims, Raber was found guilty of aggravated murder. In October 2009, she was sentenced to 23 years to life behind bars. Prison records indicate that she is serving her sentence at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, Ohio, with a potential parole eligibility in 2032.
Conclusion
The tragic case of Barbara Weaver’s murder serves as a grim reminder that even in close-knit communities, dark secrets can hide behind the veneer of normalcy. The investigation and subsequent convictions shed light on the devastating consequences of betrayal and jealousy within the Amish community of Apple Creek, Ohio. This heart-wrenching story highlights the importance of seeking justice, even when the truth is shrouded in secrecy and deception.
What happens if an Amish woman’s husband dies?
If an Amish woman’s husband passes away, she can enter a courtship and remarry. Many Amish people do remarry after losing a spouse. Since the Amish typically have large families, remarriage often leads to having even more extended family members.
Did they ever find the Amish girl?
Yes, they found the Amish girl. Her remains were discovered on April 21, exactly 10 months after she went missing from Bird-in-Hand, a community just east of Lancaster that has many Amish and Mennonite residents. The person responsible for her disappearance had buried her in a wooded area near some railroad tracks behind where he worked.
Can Amish girls leave?
Yes, some Amish young people decide to leave their Amish community. They might choose to live among non-Amish Americans, known as the “English,” and experience modern technology and a different way of life. Leaving the Amish community during this time doesn’t always mean they can’t return later for adult baptism into the Amish church if they decide to do so.
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