Is The Eli Weaver Story True
Is The Eli Weaver Story True -: The world of true crime stories is always captivating and sometimes even hard to believe. In recent years, Lifetime has brought us many intriguing tales of real-life mysteries, and “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story” is one such story. But the big question on everyone’s mind is whether this incredible story is based on actual events. Let’s delve into the true story behind this Lifetime movie.
A Glimpse into the Plot
“Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story” tells the story of a man named Eli Weaver, played by Luke Macfarlane, who is part of the Amish community. The movie portrays a gripping tale of infidelity and murder set against the usually peaceful backdrop of the Amish way of life. It’s a departure from the usual roles Luke Macfarlane has played, portraying a character with shades of darkness.
The Real Story Behind the Movie
Yes, “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story” is indeed based on a true story, although it’s not a recent crime. The real-life incident that inspired the movie took place on June 2, 2009. It revolves around the murder of Barbara Weaver, a 30-year-old married mother of five who was a devoted member of the Amish community.
Eli Weaver, the man at the center of the story, and Barbara first crossed paths during their Rumspringa. Rumspringa is a rite of passage for the Amish, during which they explore the outside world before making a lifelong commitment to their faith. While Barbara struggled with leaving her faith behind, Eli embraced the outside world with parties and relationships with women.
After their Rumspringa, Eli and Barbara got married and had five children together. However, Eli continued to cheat on Barbara with women from outside the Amish community. He even fathered a child with one of these women. Shockingly, during his affairs, Eli referred to his desire to get rid of his wife, which multiple women confirmed to the police.
Barbara’s sister later revealed that Barbara had suspected Eli of having a new mistress just before her tragic murder.
The Mistress and the Murder Plan
Eli’s likely mistress was a woman named Barb Raber, a 39-year-old married mother of three who was part of the Mennonite community and worked as a driver for neighboring Amish families. In the weeks leading up to Barbara’s murder, Eli and Raber exchanged numerous text messages in which they plotted to commit the unthinkable. They even searched the internet for ways to carry out the murder, including disturbing searches like “10 best ways to kill yourself” and “How much rat poison will kill a person?”
Their sinister plans ranged from poisoning cupcakes to setting Barbara’s house on fire with her inside. Shockingly, when Raber asked about the fate of Eli’s five children, he callously replied that they didn’t matter because, if they died, “they would go straight to Heaven.”
Raber made an initial attempt to murder Barbara but got scared and abandoned the plan. However, Eli convinced her to try again, assuring her that everything would work out. To establish an alibi, Eli went on a fishing trip with his friends while Raber sneaked into the Weaver home and shot Barbara with a shotgun. The Weaver children later alerted a neighbor, who called the police.
The Investigation and Justice Served
Despite having an alibi, the police quickly became suspicious of Eli. To cover their tracks, Raber had a friend leave a threatening voicemail for Eli, but this tactic failed to fool the authorities. When the police discovered Eli’s online dating activities, they realized he had a cell phone, which was prohibited by Amish customs.
The police conducted a sting operation with one of Eli’s former flings to obtain his cell phone number. They subpoenaed his phone records, revealing all the incriminating texts between Eli and Raber regarding the murder plan. This solid evidence led to their convictions.
Where Are They Now?
Eli Weaver and Barb Raber are both behind bars today. Eli Weaver, who testified against Raber, was convicted of complicity in murder and sentenced to 15 years to life. He becomes eligible for parole in 2024, at the age of 44. Barb Raber, convicted of aggravated murder, was sentenced to life in prison and becomes eligible for parole in 2032, at the age of 62.
Eli Weaver’s Appearance
It’s natural to wonder about Eli Weaver’s physical appearance, given the movie’s portrayal of him as an “Amish stud.” In reality, Eli Weaver doesn’t quite resemble the movie’s depiction. Instead of a handsome leading man, he had more of a Chris Pratt in Parks & Recreation Season 1 vibe.
Watching the Movie
If you’re eager to watch “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story,” it premiered on Lifetime on Saturday, September 30 at 8 p.m. ET. If you have a cable login, you can stream it online via Lifetime’s website. For those without cable, you can still catch the movie as it airs through live TV streaming services like Sling TV, friendly, Hulu, and Philo.
The movie also has reruns on the following dates:
- Sunday, October 1 at 12 a.m. ET
- Friday, October 6 at 8 p.m. ET
- Saturday, October 7 at 12 a.m. ET
- Saturday, October 7 at 2 p.m. ET
The Cast
The movie features a talented cast, with Luke Macfarlane playing the role of Eli Weaver, Miranda MacDougall portraying Barbara, Kirsten Vangsness as Barb Raber, and Clare Filipow as Abigail.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story” is indeed based on a true story, and the real-life events are as shocking as they are portrayed in the movie. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and dark aspects of human behavior that sometimes lurk beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful communities. The story is a gripping one, and if you’re a fan of true crime tales, it’s a movie worth watching.
FAQ
Is “The Eli Weaver Story” a real-life story?
Yes, “The Eli Weaver Story” is based on a true story.
When did the actual events take place?
The events surrounding the murder of Barbara Weaver, which inspired the movie, occurred on June 2, 2009.
Who are the main characters in the true story?
The central figures in the true story are Eli Weaver and Barbara Weaver, with supporting characters like Barb Raber.
What is the significance of the term “Amish stud” in the story?
“Amish stud” was a self-proclaimed title used by Eli Weaver to describe himself on a dating profile, reflecting his extramarital affairs.
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