Rising to the top in any field is a challenge, but becoming a renowned snake collector? That’s a whole different level. Ben Renick was a standout in the world of snake breeding, making waves with his high-value “designer” snakes that could fetch over $100,000. His reputation and success made him something of a celebrity in his niche. But on June 8, 2017, Ben was found dead in his snake pit, face down in a pool of blood. The initial suspicion was that one of his dangerous snakes might have attacked him. But as the investigation unfolded, a more sinister story emerged.
Ben’s business, Renick Reptiles, based in New Florence, Missouri, was known for breeding unique snakes, often achieving what others hadn’t. He was married to Lynlee and had a few kids. Lynlee had also started her own business, Ascensia Spa, a dream of hers that seemed to be thriving. But everything changed abruptly when Lynlee called 911, reporting that Ben was found dead in their snake house.
When police arrived, they were on high alert. With snakes everywhere, they cautiously entered the facility, prepared for anything. But instead of finding a snake bite, they discovered something much graver: Ben had been shot multiple times, with eight bullet wounds, including one fired at extremely close range.
The investigation quickly ruled out a snake attack and focused on potential suspects. At first, the family’s financial troubles and a recent tragic event involving their father seemed to point towards possible revenge. However, as the investigation progressed, suspicion shifted towards Lynlee.
It turned out Lynlee’s marriage to Ben wasn’t as perfect as it seemed. She had been having affairs, including one with a man named Brandon Blackwell. Financial troubles from her spa and debts added fuel to the fire. Lynlee stood to gain a lot from Ben’s death, including a $1 million life insurance policy. But despite her failing a polygraph test, evidence linking her directly to the crime was lacking, and the case went cold.
Three years later, a breakthrough came when Brandon Blackwell, now in jail, cut a deal with authorities. He revealed that Lynlee had recruited an ex-boyfriend, Michael Humphrey, to help her with the murder. According to Blackwell, Humphrey had initially agreed to carry out the murder but backed out at the last minute, giving Lynlee the gun instead. Lynlee then allegedly shot Ben multiple times.
Further testimony from a spa employee, Ashley Shaw, supported this account, confirming that Lynlee had confessed to the crime. Lynlee was arrested and convicted of second-degree murder. She received a 16-year prison sentence, which the judge, Boone County Judge Kevin Crane, described as lenient. Lynlee remains in prison, while Michael Humphrey is serving a life sentence.
