Eli Weaver Wikipedia, Story, Now, Obituary, Ohio, Today, Age
Eli Weaver Wikipedia, Story, Now, Obituary, Ohio, Today, Age – 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.
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.
Who is Eli Weaver?
Eli Weaver is a man from Ohio who found himself entangled in a shocking and tragic true story. In 2009, he convinced his married lover, Barbara Raber, to commit a terrible crime: the murder of his wife, Barbara Weaver. Barbara was a 30-year-old Amish mother of five. She was killed while sleeping in her bed, with her five children nearby.
Is “A Killing in Amish Country” Based on a True Story?
Yes, “A Killing in Amish Country” is a true crime story. It was written by Gregg Olsen and Rebecca Morris and revolves around a real-life incident. The story is set within the Amish community and focuses on the murder of Barbara Weaver in 2009. This tragic event shook the community to its core.
Is Amish Country Real?
Yes, Amish Country is real. It’s a term used to describe areas where Amish communities live and thrive. One of the most well-known Amish settlements is in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. These Amish communities have a unique way of life, living simply and adhering to traditions that have been passed down for generations. They are involved in various activities, including agriculture and running small businesses. Amish Country is a fascinating part of American culture and history.
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