The case sounded like a murder driven by greed, but investigators say the fortune at the centre of it may never have existed at all. Police believe a North Dakota woman poisoned her long-term boyfriend in hopes of sharing a supposed £22.1 million ($30 million) inheritance, only to later discover there was no evidence that the money was ever real.
Ina Thea Kenoyer has since pleaded guilty to murder in the death of Steven Edward Riley Jr., with investigators revealing that both she and Riley genuinely believed the enormous inheritance was waiting for him. The shocking twist has transformed the case into one of the most unusual murder investigations in recent years.
A Fortune Everyone Believed
According to investigators, Riley had planned to meet a lawyer on 3 September 2023 to complete paperwork linked to what friends believed was a £22.1 million ($30 million) inheritance. Those close to him said Kenoyer knew about the expected payout and believed she would also benefit from it.
Police later said the inheritance almost certainly never existed. Minot Police Chief John Klug explained that officers found no evidence of any wealthy relative or hidden fortune, despite both Riley and Kenoyer believing the money was genuine.
A Relationship Falling Apart
Friends told investigators that Riley intended to end his relationship with Kenoyer after receiving the inheritance. They claimed she became furious after learning he planned to leave once he had the money.
One witness reportedly saw Kenoyer throwing Riley's belongings outside their home on the same day he was expected to finalise the inheritance. Prosecutors believe this argument formed part of the motive that eventually led to Riley's death.
His Sudden Decline Raised Alarm
Friends noticed Riley becoming seriously ill later that evening. They said he complained of stomach pain, struggled to stand, appeared intoxicated despite being sober, and repeatedly collapsed while trying to walk.
Although friends wanted to take him to hospital, investigators allege Kenoyer insisted he was suffering from heatstroke and needed rest instead. Court documents claim she delayed seeking medical treatment for more than 12 hours as his condition rapidly worsened before he died on 5 September 2023.
The Evidence Behind the Investigation
An autopsy later confirmed Riley died from ethylene glycol poisoning, the toxic chemical commonly found in antifreeze. Investigators said tests found deadly levels of the substance in his body.
Police also discovered containers holding bright green liquid inside the couple's home, including a glass cleaner bottle, a beer bottle and a plastic mug. According to court documents, Kenoyer admitted serving Riley sweet tea throughout the day, with investigators noting that ethylene glycol has a naturally sweet taste and can be disguised in sweet drinks.
Family and Friends Sparked the Case
Authorities said Riley's family became suspicious almost immediately after his death. Relatives told police that Kenoyer had spoken about antifreeze poisoning during their relationship and even mentioned poisoning before toxicology results had been completed.
Friends also challenged several of Kenoyer's explanations. She claimed Riley had been drinking heavily, yet investigators found no alcohol in his system, while police said internet searches did not support her claim that heatstroke symptoms closely resemble poisoning.
A Guilty Plea and a Strange Twist
Kenoyer initially denied responsibility following her arrest in October 2023. However, she has now pleaded guilty to AA felony murder over Riley's death and faces a possible life sentence without parole when she is sentenced in North Dakota.
Perhaps the most remarkable detail remains the motive itself. Investigators believe the murder was committed over a fortune valued at about £22.1 million ($30 million), only for police to conclude that the inheritance almost certainly never existed, making the case as tragic as it is extraordinary.
