American woman killed her boyfriend because she thought he had inherited $30 million, but police say it was a scam

The woman faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

An American woman fatally poisoned her boyfriend because she thought he had inherited $30 million. She later found out, however, that the whole thing was a scam. According to PeopleThe woman, identified as Ina Thea Kenoyer, was arrested in October of last year and charged with Class AA murder, which is the most serious murder charge in North Dakota. During the investigation, cops found a bottle of Windex filled with what investigators believe to be antifreeze in the couple’s living room. On Wednesday, she pleaded guilty to murdering her longtime boyfriend. She now faces life in prison without parole, the newspaper reported.

Police had previously concluded that Ms Kenoyer had financial motives for the murder of her 51-year-old boyfriend, Steven Edward Riley Jr. But investigators now believe the inheritance was a hoax.

Accordingly PeopleIn the arrest affidavit, authorities said Mr. Riley planned to leave his girlfriend of about 10 years. But as he was driving to the airport with friends in September to meet with a lawyer about his alleged newfound wealth, he complained of stomach pains. His friends said he appeared to be drunk, although later blood tests showed no alcohol in his system.

At the time, Ms. Kenoyer, who claimed to have medical training, said he had suffered heat stroke and was recovering with rest at home. At his home, investigators found a beer bottle and a plastic cup containing a green liquid that matched the Windex bottle.

Read also | Malala Yousafzai makes her film debut in a British sitcom, her look goes viral

After speaking with Mr Riley’s friends, authorities learned that Ms Kenoyer had previously talked about poisoning her boyfriend with antifreeze. The medical examiner then tested for its main ingredient and found toxic levels of ethylene glycol in his system. However, Ms Kenoyer insisted that her boyfriend had been drinking during the day and suffered heat stroke. She also suggested several explanations for the poisoning-like symptoms.

Ms. Kenoyer described herself as Ms. Riley’s domestic partner and said she planned to split his newfound inheritance with his son. However, in arrest documents obtained by the outlet, she became visibly upset when investigators told her the state would not recognize her as his domestic partner. She later admitted that she had actually spiked his sweet tea with antifreeze before his meeting with the lawyer.

Sentencing for Ms. Kenoyer is now scheduled for August 14. She may undergo further psychological evaluation before sentencing.