The 'Amish Stud' That Conspired to Kill His Wife

The murder of Barbara Weaver shattered the peaceful facade of the Amish community in Wayne County, Ohio. In a place where modern conveniences are shunned for religious beliefs, the shocking crime exposed the dark undercurrents of infidelity and deceit that led to a deadly conspiracy. But what drove her husband, Eli Weaver, a self-proclaimed “Amish stud,” to plot his wife’s murder?

The Unfolding of a Tragic Crime

On June 2, 2009, Barbara Weaver, a devoted Amish woman, was found dead in her home, a victim of a fatal shotgun blast to the chest. The absence of a weapon and gunshot residue on her hands quickly ruled out suicide, leading investigators to suspect foul play. As the police delved deeper, the focus shifted to her husband, Eli Weaver, who was conveniently absent on a fishing trip during the murder.

Eli’s alibi appeared solid at first - his friends corroborated his story. However, it soon became clear that this seemingly devout Amish man had been living a double life, one that was far from the pacifist ideals of his community. His marriage had long been troubled by infidelity, a fact well-known to Barbara’s family and friends. Barbara herself had grown increasingly suspicious of her husband’s behavior, fearful not of Eli but of the women he was involved with.

The Dark World of Eli Weaver’s Affairs

Eli’s extramarital affairs were not mere indiscretions but part of a pattern that began during his Rumspringa - a period when Amish youth are allowed to experience the outside world. This period marked the beginning of Eli’s wild streak, one that continued well into his marriage. His affairs with non-Amish women were a source of constant turmoil, eventually leading to his temporary shunning from the Amish community.

Barbara Weaver, despite being deeply hurt, never considered divorce, as it went against her faith. However, her fears escalated when Eli began spending time with Barbara Raber, a married Mennonite woman who had once been Amish herself. Raber, who worked as a driver for the Amish, became more than just a friend to Eli, and he told her that the only way they could be together permanently was by eliminating his wife. Together, they began plotting Barbara Weaver’s murder, exchanging hundreds of texts discussing various methods to kill her, from poisoned cupcakes to a home explosion.

A Plot Revealed

The plot took a deadly turn when Raber, under Eli’s direction, entered the Weaver home with a shotgun on the night of the murder. Despite claiming that the gun went off accidentally, Raber’s extensive internet searches on how to poison someone and the incriminating text messages painted a clear picture of premeditation. Eli, who had initially denied involvement, eventually took a plea deal, agreeing to testify against Raber in exchange for a reduced sentence.

Raber was found guilty of aggravated murder and sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole in 2032. Eli, meanwhile, was sentenced to 15 years to life and will not be eligible for parole until 2032, after his first attempt in 2024 was denied.

The Aftermath

The murder of Barbara Weaver remains a chilling reminder of the hidden darkness that can exist even in the most seemingly serene communities. This story has captured the attention of many, and a Lifetime movie about the story called “The Amish Affair” premiered on July 6, 2024.

Eli Weaver’s double life and the tragic events that unfolded not only shocked the Amish community but also left a lasting scar on all who knew Barbara Weaver. As her killers sit in prison, the story serves as a stark warning of the dangers of deceit and the tragic consequences it can have.

References: The shocking true story that inspired Lifetime’s The Amish Affair and ‘Stud’ Eli Weaver’s sick plot to kill his wife | Self-Described ‘Amish Stud’ Plots With Married Mennonite Lover To Murder His Wife