Ina Thea Kenoyer, a 47-year-old woman from North Dakota, has been charged with murder after allegedly poisoning her boyfriend, Steven Edward Riley Jr., due to "financial motives." According to police reports, Kenoyer was arrested on October 30th in Minot, North Dakota. The incident occurred after Riley, 51, informed Kenoyer that he planned to break up with her following the receipt of a substantial inheritance. Riley became ill on September 3rd while meeting with a lawyer to collect the money. Kenoyer called 911 the following day, and paramedics found Riley unresponsive. He was initially taken to a local medical facility but was later transferred to a Bismarck hospital where he passed away on September 5th.

After an autopsy was conducted, it was determined that Riley's cause of death was poisoning. Investigators discovered a glass cleaner bottle without a cap, as well as a beer bottle and mug containing suspected antifreeze, in the couple's residence. Kenoyer, however, maintains her innocence and claimed her innocence during a court appearance on Tuesday.

Kenoyer is charged with murder as a class AA felony, which is the most severe homicide charge in North Dakota. She is currently being held at the Ward County Jail on a $1 million bond. Court records obtained by the Associated Press reveal that Kenoyer is representing herself. During the investigation, Kenoyer informed investigators that she believed she was entitled to a portion of Riley's inheritance as his common-law wife. She planned to split the estimated $30 million inheritance with Riley's son. However, it is important to note that North Dakota does not recognize common-law marriages.

Minot Police Department's Investigations Commander, Capt. Dale Plessas, described the case as "extremely complex." He expressed gratitude to everyone who provided information to help the investigators piece together the events leading to Riley's death. Kenoyer's next court appearance is scheduled for December 7th. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life without parole.

The investigation into Kenoyer and the circumstances surrounding Riley's death is ongoing. This incident marks at least the fourth time this year that someone has been accused of using poison to kill their spouse or partner in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in relationships and the importance of proper investigation and justice in such cases.