In a tragic and shocking case, a North Dakota woman has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for poisoning her boyfriend, mistakenly believing he had inherited $30 million and was planning to leave her. Ina Thea Kenoyer, 48, was convicted for the murder of Steven Riley Jr., 51, after he died from ethylene glycol poisoning, the toxic substance found in antifreeze.
The case, which has drawn attention across the nation, underscores the dangerous mix of greed and deception that led to the untimely death of a man who unknowingly fell victim to an online scam. As more cases of spousal poisoning make headlines, this story serves as a chilling reminder of how easily people can be manipulated by false promises and deadly motives.
A Fatal Mistake: Poisoned by Greed
The tragic chain of events began when Kenoyer believed that Riley was set to inherit a massive fortune. According to court documents, Kenoyer learned through an email that Riley was supposedly going to receive a $30 million inheritance. Convinced that Riley was about to break up with her and fearing she would be cut off from the fortune, Kenoyer took matters into her own hands—literally.
Just hours after receiving the fraudulent email, Kenoyer made the fatal decision to poison Riley. He became ill on September 3, 2023, and was found unresponsive the next day by paramedics. Despite their best efforts, Riley was pronounced dead on September 5. The cause of death was later determined to be ethylene glycol poisoning, a deadly substance commonly found in antifreeze.
Kenoyer initially told authorities that Riley had been drinking heavily and suffered from heat stroke in the days leading up to his death. However, investigators uncovered the truth: Kenoyer had poisoned him in a desperate attempt to claim part of his alleged inheritance.
No Fortune: The Scam That Fooled Them Both
In a tragic twist to this already heartbreaking case, it was revealed that there was never any inheritance. Riley and Kenoyer had both fallen victim to an online scam, where fraudsters posed as estate lawyers offering vast sums of money. According to Ryan Riley, the victim’s 21-year-old son, the couple had been misled into believing they were in line for a $30 million windfall, but the entire situation was a hoax.
The email that set off Kenoyer’s deadly actions was nothing more than part of an elaborate scam. Unfortunately, Riley paid the ultimate price for their mutual deception, leaving his family devastated.
A Lenient Sentence?
Despite the horrific nature of her crime, Kenoyer received a 25-year prison sentence, which some feel is too lenient given the circumstances. At her sentencing hearing in Minot, Riley’s sister, Stephanie Gonzalez, expressed her dissatisfaction with the punishment, suggesting that Kenoyer had gotten off lightly.
“As so many other families of victims often feel, the punishment should fit the crime,” Gonzalez told the court, directing her remarks at Kenoyer. “But lucky for you, the Department of Corrections doesn’t serve antifreeze in your iced tea.”
State District Judge Richard Hagar handed down the 25-year sentence last Wednesday, following Kenoyer’s guilty plea in May. In addition to her prison time, Kenoyer will serve 10 years of supervised probation and must pay $3,455 in restitution to Riley’s family.
A Troubling Trend: Poisonings on the Rise
The Riley case is just one of several recent high-profile incidents in the United States involving spouses or significant others poisoning their partners. This disturbing trend highlights the lengths to which some individuals will go when driven by greed, jealousy, or desperation.
In the same month as the Riley case, Dr. Connor Bowman, a poison specialist and former doctor at the prestigious Mayo Clinic, was charged with poisoning his wife amid marital difficulties. Bowman allegedly tried to have his wife’s body cremated immediately after her death, while planning to cash in on a $500,000 life insurance policy.
Just five months prior, Utah mother Kouri Richins made headlines after being accused of killing her husband by slipping him a fentanyl-laced Moscow mule. Richins had reportedly hoped to cash in on a $2 million mansion she planned to flip, but her deadly scheme was uncovered.
These cases have sparked national conversations about domestic abuse, greed, and the lengths some individuals will go to secure financial gain through the most horrifying means. The Riley case, in particular, underscores the devastating consequences of greed and gullibility in a world where online scams can prey on even the most innocent.
A Tragic Legacy
Steven Riley Jr.’s death leaves behind a heartbroken family that must grapple with the senseless nature of his murder. His son, Ryan Riley, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his father, who had unwittingly become a victim not only of the scam but also of Kenoyer’s cruel actions. For Ryan and the rest of Riley’s family, the knowledge that there was never any $30 million inheritance only adds to their grief.
While Kenoyer will spend the next 25 years in prison for her crime, the pain she has caused will last a lifetime for Riley’s loved ones. And though justice has been served, the case leaves a lasting reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked greed, manipulation, and betrayal.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
The case of Ina Thea Kenoyer and Steven Riley Jr. is a tragic reminder of the lengths some people will go when driven by greed and desperation. As online scams continue to proliferate, Americans must remain vigilant against fraud and manipulation, as even the most seemingly harmless deception can lead to tragic outcomes.
As more stories of domestic poisoning surface in the news, this case should serve as a cautionary tale for families and couples alike, reminding us that trust, honesty, and accountability are the cornerstones of any healthy relationship.
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