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This episode covers the 2017 murder of Ben Rennick, a prominent exotic snake breeder from Missouri who was found shot dead at his reptile farm. Initially, authorities suspected a massive 600-pound anaconda that had escaped its cage, but investigators quickly discovered Ben had been shot eight times. The hosts detail the unraveling of Ben's marriage to Lindley Rennick, uncovering multiple affairs, severe financial troubles at their newly opened day spa, and a $1 million life insurance policy. Prosecutors ultimately proved that Lindley orchestrated the murder, first trying to poison Ben with Percocet before recruiting her ex-boyfriend Michael Humphrey and enlisting spa employees to help carry out the shooting.
The episode opens with a promotional ad for DraftKings Casino before the hosts introduce themselves.
Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson greet listeners, check in, and thank Patreon supporters.
The hosts segue from introductions to the main story about snake breeder Ben Renick.
Details of Ben’s upbringing, business, and family ties are explained.
The hosts discuss potential suspects, including Lindley, Michael, and others, and their possible motives.
Interviews with Lindley, Sam, and others reveal alibis, gunshot residue, and possible cover‑ups.
The narrative covers the trials of Michael Humphrey and Lindley, focusing on witness testimony and legal strategies.
The hosts discuss Lindley's possible motives for killing Ben, focusing on financial gain and marital issues.
Examining the credibility of witnesses and the impact of inconsistent statements on the trial.
Details of Lindley's conviction, sentencing, and subsequent defamation lawsuit.
Michael Humphrey's appeal and the admissibility of testimony from co-defendants.
Reflection on Ben Rennick's influence in the reptile community and the naming of a new snake breed.
Suspecting the Massive Snakestory
When Ben Rennick's body was discovered at his reptile farm, his 600-pound anaconda was loose, leading initial responders to wonder if the massive snake had killed him.
Discovering the Bodystory
Lindley Rennick called 911 and then called Ben's brother Sam, who arrived at the facility and first suspected the exotic reptiles were responsible.
A Murky Crime Sceneinsight
Authorities quickly ruled out a reptile attack after finding multiple shell casings and realizing Ben had been shot eight times at close range.
Uncovering Marital Discorddata
Facebook messages revealed severe friction between the couple, showing that Ben knew the family spa was losing money and suspected Lindley of infidelity.
The Breakthrough Confessionstrategy
After a bitter breakup and restraining order involving another lover, Brandon Blackwell finally told police that Lindley confessed to planning and executing the murder.
Spa manager Ashley Shaw quickly turned on her former boss in exchange for immunity, admitting she provided the Percocet used in a failed poisoning attempt.
The Sentence Recommendationdata
The jury found Lindley guilty of second-degree murder and armed criminal action, recommending a 16-year prison sentence that the judge upheld.
“Ben was a well-known snake breeder who was found dead at his reptile farm in 2017.”
“At the time Ben's body was discovered, his 600 pound anaconda had escaped its cage and was nowhere to be found.”
“The defense argued that Humphrey was lured to the snake farm by Lindley, who said she wanted protection from Ben.”
“Lindley told Ashley she couldn't afford the fee that the Mexican mafia charged for a hit and that Michael would give her a gun.”
“Lindley testified that she brought Michael to the snake farm that day because she was worried Ben would get physical.”
“She didn't want to believe Ben had been killed and regretted lying to police about being at the facility when Ben was shot.”
“I think she got extremely lucky. I feel like this was extremely light.”
“In fact, a new breed of snake called the Rennick Ghost was named in his honor.”
“They don't want to be like these people. They want to know what makes these people tick.”
Ben Renick built one of the most respected exotic snake breeding operations in the country, housing more than 3,000 reptiles on his Missouri farm. In June 2017, his wife, Lynlee, called 911 after finding him dead in the snake facility. Because a 600-pound anaconda was missing, some initially wondered if a snake had killed him. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Ben Renick. Investigators quickly determined the truth: Ben had been shot eight times. What followed was a years-long investigation involving affairs, financial problems, a failed poisoning attempt, and a murder-for-hire conspiracy. You can help support the show at patreon.com/truecrimeallthetime Visit the show's website at truecrimeallthetime.com for contact, merchandise, and donation information An Emash Digital production See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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