In a tragic case out of North Dakota, Ina Thea Kenoyer, 48, was accused of poisoning her boyfriend, 51-year-old Steven Edward Riley Jr., with antifreeze. Kenoyer believed Riley was going to break up with her after receiving a large inheritance, which investigators later determined likely did not exist. Riley reportedly fell ill while meeting with a lawyer on September 3 and died two days later in a Bismarck hospital. An autopsy revealed that Riley had died from ethylene glycol poisoning, a component found in antifreeze. Kenoyer called 911 the day after Riley became unresponsive, claiming he had been drinking alcohol all day and suffered from heat stroke. However, authorities were suspicious of her story.
Following her guilty plea in May, Kenoyer was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with an additional 25 years suspended. She also received 10 years of supervised probation and was ordered to pay $3,455 in restitution to Riley’s family. The sentencing recommendation was accepted by State District Judge Richard Hagar. Despite Kenoyer’s claims of being Riley’s common-law wife and feeling entitled to a portion of his alleged inheritance, North Dakota does not recognize common-law marriages. Riley’s sister, Stephanie Gonzalez, submitted a victim impact statement to the court, expressing her belief that Kenoyer’s sentence was inadequate compared to the heinous crime she committed.
The case sparked widespread outrage and sorrow in the community, as the tragic circumstances surrounding Riley’s death exposed the dark motivations behind Kenoyer’s actions. The police investigation revealed that Kenoyer had intentionally poisoned Riley with antifreeze, likely driven by her desire for financial gain and fear of losing her partner. The prosecution emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime and the lack of remorse shown by Kenoyer throughout the proceedings. The judge’s decision to impose a harsh prison sentence, along with supervised probation and restitution, reflected the severity of the offense and the need to hold Kenoyer accountable for her actions.
As the details of the case unfolded in court, it became clear that Kenoyer had meticulously planned and executed the poisoning of Riley, betraying the trust he had placed in her as his partner. The implications of her actions extended far beyond the loss of Riley’s life, affecting his family and loved ones who were left to grapple with the aftermath of his untimely death. The victim impact statement provided by Riley’s sister highlighted the enduring pain and anger felt by those left behind, underscoring the profound impact of Kenoyer’s actions on the lives of those who knew and cared for Riley.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community came together to mourn the loss of Riley and support his family as they sought justice for the senseless act that had claimed his life. The case served as a stark reminder of the fragility of human relationships and the devastating consequences that can result from greed, deception, and betrayal. As Kenoyer began her prison sentence, the hope was that she would reflect on the harm she had caused and seek redemption for her actions. Ultimately, the sentencing of Kenoyer for the poisoning and death of Riley served as a form of closure for his loved ones, though the pain of their loss would continue to linger long after the courtroom proceedings had concluded.
