@Super Dave - He just didn't know that the SSSsssnake he loved was one he would never be able to handle!!! Seriously! What a narcissistic sociopath!!! I really despise 'IT'!!!
What a lovely person Ben was. I sold him a snake once when I lived in Columbia and was occasionally at his wife's spa. He was so utterly kind, humble, and gracious--and so fundamentally decent. Such a horror and a shame in a very small and close hobby. We all feel the loss deeply, and I still grieve for this lovely young man. He deserved the world.
“Ben will never die. Because we all remember him here. We all talk about him, we all share pictures of him here. He will always be remembered- his legacy of his kindness, the amazing animals he bred”. “This here is the legacy of Ben Rennick”. This was a brilliant production which, so rarely these days in crime coverage, centred the victim (s). It centred Ben- his life and his origins, where he came from, the trauma and tragedies of his own that he endured, his character of kindness and love. It centred on his vision and commitment to, and dedication to snakes and reptiles and so clearly, the people in the lives of the reptiles. It celebrated Ben’s three biggest prides of joy- his children, snakes, and the reptile community/his business. Ben was an amazing father, that just jumps out from the screen. He was a Dad twice over- the first time he chose to be a Dad through adoption, and the second time through biology. But it’s so clear that each time, Ben *chose* to be a Dad, and that he gave his heart and soul to those two little kids. It’s clear that Ben had a quietness when he moved through the world- I could feel his gentleness of spirit, his reserved nature, being in the spotlight of the reptile community because of his passion and dedication to the snakes and not because he seeks the spotlight. He impacted upon people quietly, but his actual impact and legacy is deafening. The horror and senselessness of this crime can’t be escaped as you watch this. But it isn’t in your face, loud and violent. It’s well-paced, and spared from gratuitous detail or the typical americanised docu-horror editing style. The reptile community is something that I have no experience with. I prefer reptiles of the out of sight, out of mind variety. But by the end of this brilliant program, I learned: of a horrendous murder that currently hasn’t received any sense of justice; that Lynnlee truly has to be a genuine sociopath who has left a trail of destruction In her wake her entire life without once feeling remorse; that Ben Rennick was an incredible man, reptile advocate, and father that the world has been robbed of far too soon in a totally senseless and avoidable horror; that the reptile community are incredible people and even have their own Captain Jack Arrow Snake; and that there are two beautiful little children who are now growing up without any parents, and immeasurable trauma. Out of everything I known that Ben’s greatest pain would be that he can’t protect his children, especially Matthew, from that. I hope to see Court Tv create more specials like this, which aren’t sensationalist and are victim centred. Rest gently Ben. My love to Ben’s brother, his son Matthew, daughter Emma, and all of Ben’s loved ones including the reptile community.
@@Cricket28000 AND this is a comment section…used for MAKING COMMENTS, which is exactly what I did. A simple observation that this person wrote a lot. Nothing more, nothing less. I swear some people always have to try and make something out of nothing. Have the day you deserve, dear. 😊
@@meganb3321 I usually don’t get involved in online squabbles and bickering, but considering the circumstances, I feel a “thesis” was necessary. This man absolutely deserved it. I read and was moved by every single word the OP wrote and I feel it was a beautiful epitaph for an amazing human being who was obviously deeply loved and will be truly missed. Your comment, although just an observation on your part, absolutely came off rude and disrespectful. We can all see that it was long, however, iT SHOULD BE.
Jesus people!! My comment was not that serious!! I wasn’t even meaning it to be rude or anything! I was not bothered by it, nothing! When did people become so sensitive?! Seems like these last 10-15 years really did a number to people. I could never even imagine being bothered by another persons opinion or comment they make on here. Disagree?? Yes, but some of the things people get their panties in a wad about these days, I just don’t understand. But then again I’m not easily bothered and it takes a LOT to offend me. But just for further reference people of the future who see my original post and feel and are triggered enough to let me know how unnecessary it was, just know: I DIDNT MEAN ANYTHING NEGATIVE BY IT WHATSOEVER!! I saw nothing wrong with the post and honestly could not care less what any chooses to comment on this or any video for that matter. I also genuinely never thought anyone would be so offended by me stating that the comment was long. 🤦🏼♀️ Maybe I should have worded it differently. Maybe I should have just said “that was long” maybe people wouldn’t feel so triggered. Lol 😆 😂
What a horrible woman.. he gave her AND HER SON everything. And now his family has lost him forever. How could you hurt your child and take someone from them? Her children are much better off without her
Please please do more of these. Before big trials. Now I’m so into watching this trial. The quality of this program is right up there with dateline !! Thank you 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼♥️🇨🇦
@@kathismith7441 that's your opinion lol.... I enjoyed this video. Oan, she didn't say it was better she said the quality of the program is right up there with dateline.... I agree.... Great Job CourtTV ❤️ I was totally glued until the end.....
Ben seemed like such a kind loving man. This woman had a priceless gem and she erased him from this earth and took him away from those who loved and appreciated him just for greed.
She had a guy she did not deserve. A huge lesson to wonderful men like Ben, please do not be so quick to love women who will one day turn their back on you and stab you. This was a huge betrayal that I personally will never get over as a woman myself. We women must do better! Money is not everything.
As a reptile/snake person, I'm not sure how I missed this case in 2017. Oddly...Ben's shooting death happened 3 weeks after Wilmington Serpentarium owner Dean Ripa was shot in the head and killed by his wife. What a tragic period for the herping community during that short time span.
They post all the trials with public interest. I didn't even think of that though, I figured the trial was over or she pled out. I'll be excited to see this one too!
I’m sick and tired of these incompetent investigators!! Why was his wife financial standing investigated right after the murder? Why was she not tested for gun powder residue? Why did it take such a freaking long time meanwhile she ripped Ben’s family of a family land?! 😡😡
@@sabrinakeys250 I'll tell ya why. Cause the investigation involved a reptile keeper. Hear all of them? 'A snake crushed his head!' When all in all it was a gunshot wound, and that was the beginning.
You think only movie cops are incompetent, coming in honking & brandishing guns only when the action is over and the civilians have saved themselves. Then you watch true crime documentaries. There's no smoke without fire.
She was a main suspect in the murder from the start. The coronor saw shell casings at the scene and knew he was dealing with a homicide. Within days she called an insurance company, trying to cash in on a million dollar life insurance policy taken out on Ben. And her hands were tested for gun residue. Just check Google and you will find answers.
I will never understand why women who find good men, hardworking, someone who loves the child that is not even his, someone who supports your dreams and brings the income to your house end up doing this. This woman left her kids fatherless and motherless at such a young age for what? Does she even took the time to consider the trauma those two little children would go through? She had it all with him, his only mistake was loving her. I pray for healing and peace for his family and kids. Rest easy Ben.
I absolutely get the idea that you can seem to have it all, but you are actually very unhappy. I’ve been there, you know what I did? I LEFT! I organised the shared parenting with my daughter’s dad. A couple of years later my ex had a new wife and was living his best life again. I was (a lot) poorer, but I was v happy. Can you imagine, even if she had got away with it, living your life knowing you ended someone else’s? Watching how the children would be affected over the years? I don’t care how much of a psycho she was, I can’t believe she would just have led a happy life. Or maybe not? Maybe she could absolutely kill the guy and just move on - she certainly is a different kind of person from me and probably every person commenting here.
Pity they couldnt have prevented her from selling the old family property. She killed him at a unique time after his brother signed over his share to him , that was a huge clue as to who did it. That Greedy woman only married him for what she could get.
The shortness of the sentence is truly shocking and vile. Sure hope that she is made to serve the entirety of that 16 year sentence, and isn't let out early on "good behavior".
Look up the case of Ryan Ferguson in Columbia, the judge in this case was the prosecutor in the Ryan Ferguson case-Ferguson did 10 years in prison on a murder case that he was wrongfully convicted on. He was only convicted off of 1 person having a “dream” that they did it together.. Ferguson conviction was eventually overturned and paid 12 million. That judge is incompetent as they come.
lynlee only got 16 yrs and she wont serve Half of That...What an atrocity and insult to Bens family/friends.....she should have fried for what she did.....
@@awkwardautisticbeing retarded is not a valid reason, but again USA have not set the bar high. The sentence is also baffling, 16 years, will probly be out in 10 unless she misbehaves.
I'm a nail tech on the side and to have my hubby (I'm single) to build and help support my own salon....man I'd do everything possible to keep it open. So sick!!!!
I feel so sorry for Ben’s brother & friends in the reptile community knowing that Justice was NOT served for Ben when they only gave Lynnlee 16 years! May his memory live on in their lives & I pray for Ben’s kids that they lost such a fantastic father & now they have to live with the fact knowing their own mother was the one that took his life!
Shout out to Dave Kaufman for really putting focus on the hobby and Ben. KAUFMAN is and was a driving force in the Reptile keeping hobby and he always showed Ben love and still does.
First I’ve heard of this story. It’s deserving of more coverage due to interesting subject matter and prolonged intrigue and suspense, and esp considering his friends in reptile world with experience in broadcasting (on UA-cam etc) that would make for good interviewees and storytelling assets
Honestly it has had lots of coverage. Especially around the time it happened and when the wife was arrested..... It was every where.... I'm not into snakes and heard about poor Ben.... However, at least you've been able to see it now..... RIP Ben 🙏🏽🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
I can’t believe I’ve not heard this story before! With so many friends on social media that def shocks me! Just glad to be seeing it now! And I’m just first now seeing the “woman” that kills him and she looks so dang normal 😢💀 This poor man!
Wow, the Renick ghost retic is a gorgeous morph! It inspired me to take a look at some of his other rare morphs & the Tiger het Ghost is freaking amazing. It looks like he was even doing a scaleless breeding program. It’s such a shame that the world lost a good man who only wanted to bring joy to the people around him & to create beauty no one has ever seen before while honing his skills with genetic based breeding. Also that the reptile community lost someone who deeply cared about the animals. So many people don’t know what they’re doing & end up producing unhealthy, genetically inferior snakes that suffer due to chromosomal anomalies & poor temperament/behavioral disorders. The spider morph is a perfect example. Reputable breeders won’t produce them because of the conditions they suffer from. Ben was smart, compassionate & loving. His loss hits even harder during a time where good, decent people are hard to come by. That being said, I’m so happy to see that people are keeping “Renick” in the name of his lines in order to keep his legacy as pure as he would, and to be sure that his name continues to be heard.
incredible that she didn't get life in prison. What the hell was up with that sentencing? A cheating, promiscuous wife kills the father of her children, a stepfather who embraced another mans child, and cold bloodedly murders him for selfish gain.
Wow my mouth dropped when it said the dad kiIIed himself. I know this case but never heard any of the background of his family. What a traumatic reminder every Father’s Day.
Did she line herself up with this family after seeing they had wealth when the father was going to be charged and committed suicide? Nobody has mentioned that angle yet. She really IS a snake if that's true.
I met Ben once at a show in Kansas City around 2013 or 2014. I was a complete newb at the time and I probably asked him several stupid questions, but he was patient and kind and answered every question I had. Even though I was new, he had a great reputation in the hobby and I looked up to him.
Actually, they are more comfortable in tight quarters. Rule of thumb for most of us reptile keepers are if the animal can stretch themselves out, it's good, and if the enclosure is glass or too exposed, a hide is almost a must.
@@sdever They don't occupy large territories. They aren't like most mammalian predators. They are opportunististic. They pick a spot and wait for the prey to come to them. That's why they can go so long between meals. I've been working with reptiles for over twenty years and I still only consider myself an intermediate keeper. What's your credentials?
@@Superbzapter Would you prefer to stay in your natural habitat or be shoved into a much smaller artificial version of it and constantly bred? No creature wants that.
@@sdever I'm not sure. Dogs seem more comfortable with shelter. I'm not going to justify puppy mills or snake mills, but there are good breeders put there that take exemplary care of their animals. This man was one of the good ones.
@@allisonbarry720 Absolutely! Family work for RSPCA and this is equivalent to factory farming of snakes, its horrific and no life for such amazing creatures. Wouldnt be allowed thankfully in the U.K
@@julieoluna8887 yeah, this breeding of exotic animals is not good. Snakes, primates, all kinds of exotics. Thank god it’s not Ok here in Britain. Who the hell knows who is buying them? What situation they are in? Whether new ‘owners’ know the first thing about what they need? Next thing you know, the animal is released or escapes and you have yourself the kind of problems they have in Florida with invasive species.
I don’t get this: polygraphs are not admitted in a court trial bc they’re so inaccurate/unreliable yet cops use them all the time to either absolutely clear a suspect or decide they’re guilty 🤦🏻♀️🤯
It is in fact not the case that polygraphs cannot be used as evidence in court. It is actually the case that they can be used as evidence, IF the defendant and other parties agree that they can be. I've forgotten *which* parties but I read it somewhere a few days ago. It's just rare that those agreements are made or something.
To let you know the truth they prefer to be small dark places the only time they are in the open is to find food or for searching for the mating in spring all this is provided and they are many generations removed from the wild
So did the hockey player get the snakes? What happened to all of the snakes? Did the wife take care of them after he was dead? Also I hope the children are doing as best they can. Much love to the kids.
My heart go out to him he sound like a great person 💔 sometimes you can't look over other people behaviors because while they smiling in your face they could be plotting your murder 😔
Those tiny plastic containers are cruel and inhumane to keep those poor snakes in . Not enough room to move around, no ability to climb and exercise , no environment enrichment.
Man, I never met this man before and I feel as if I am in morning 🥺😢 may he be at peace. 😇🙏🙏🙏🙏 I'm sure he is watching over his children from heaven 😇❤
This wicked witch had Ben let his potential killer into his safest place. Out of all those poisonous snakes, the two legged one killed him. Makes me wish snakes are like K9s.
@@jessr2521 -> I suspect you're making a distinction between poisonous and venomous. I also suspect your right and my comment exposed me as knowing less than nothing about such matters. Thx for the tip.
Before the show was over. I knew the guy was going to get more time in jail than her. It’s puzzling why men commit crimes with women in this era when the women movement is so strong and society have a soft heart for women regardless what they do. So Sorry for Ben. Now she will be out in a few years and enjoying her life and money. Just perfect.
What an absolute senseless murder. I never met Ben, but I got so sad over this story and looking at his photos and videos; it was so apparent his family, friends and colleagues loved him so much. RIP Ben, thank you for taking such beautiful care of your children and beautiful reptiles. You will never be forgotten. 🙏😞💐💫
She was only given 16 years and convicted of 2nd degree murder?? This was 1st degree murder, not second. She should be in prison for life. I feel so bad for Ben's brother and children. The justice system can be so unjust.
Hope the brother has the kids. Maybe they can buy a new farm. What happened to the petfood business? Why did the brother own the whole property? If it was in both their names then she couldn't have sold it.
I was think8ng the same thing, but later in the video it says that Ben’s brother had signed over his portion of the property to Ben at some time before Ben was murdered.
The critters at 0:46 aren't snakes--they're legless lizards, a species called the sheltopusik or glass lizard. They have eyelids and earholes, and their faces are sweetly expressive.
No one commits suicide by shooting themselves in the torso. Either they shoot themselves in the temple or the mouth. So the question is who killed the father?
I was thinking this too! I thought they were going to connect her with it somehow… remember they said “she kind of appeared out of nowhere after his father died”….
@@gjh9299 No child kills itself when it is aborted. It is murdered in the womb. Did you know that there are approx 35,000,000 abortions worldwide per year?
What a terribly sad story!! So because a woman can’t keep her knickers up & also owes $8.000? So she takes the father of her children’s life,In such a horrendous way!!! Just unbelievable, he didn’t show any signs of leaving her. He didn’t seem to know what she was up to? So why? Why? Why?
I wonder if they can get the property back since it is not transferable if obtained via criminal activity? meaning, since she killed her husband to obtain it, she cannot legally sell it. she forefits inheritance
Thank you for your kind comment. As an animal activist/lover, rescuer, animal foster person, advocate for the voiceless, that is the first thing I thought about. They deserve to be roaming like their meant to do. While I understand many have them as pets, the least we can do as their owner, is give them a spacious home, nurture and love. It seems to the breeders the snakes/ animal being bred is nothing more than a money pot. That’s why I tell people Adopt, don’t shop! I do understand that’s their way of making money however it’s definitely at the cost of the animal being miserable. Just my opinion. Love from my home to yours! Katie
I’m not afraid of snakes, when I was a child I played with lots of Garter snakes in the summers at the cabin . Snakes serve their purpose in nature. It’s sad he married a human snake , poor kids.
I'll never forget seeing little living turtles encased in silicon cases for people to wear around their necks for their sadistic amusement until the animal died; I've never forgotten seeing this horror :(
@@sarahcampbell7929 that is just sick and twisted!! They are being starved and without water. For entertainment and accessories they are being tortured. I’ve never seen it I hope I never do.
All the snake experts on here... I got news for you... snakes love small dark confined hiding spaces, especially well-fed snakes... they don’t have to go hunt, they don’t have to expend a lot of energy, they love small dark confined spaces. When you were a kid, where did you find snakes...? Under boards, under rocks, in dead tree branches, etc... Large Constrictors are ambush predators, meaning they lay in wait for prey to come to them. That racking system is everything a snake loves, that’s why his snakes breed so well...
@@julielevinge266 I know, its going to be hard for these children I feel so sorry for them! They will come through though, They are not JJ and Tylee for example. Peace and strength to them!
Seriously, you couldn’t have met a nicer guy than Ben. He just didn’t know that the person he loved would murder him. RIP Ben.
He was a great guy!
@Super Dave - He just didn't know that the SSSsssnake he loved was one he would never be able to handle!!! Seriously! What a narcissistic sociopath!!! I really despise 'IT'!!!
Did you know him? Any idea how the kids are doing? I can’t imagine that kind of trauma at such a young age! 😢
Poor baby why someone so beloved by the community could end up that way. May he rest in peace.♥️🙏
She is one of the most venomous kind; the lethal common brown snake in Aus.
How heartbreaking that not only his family lost a loved one, the reptile community lost irreplaceable knowledge.
Man was so focused on his vipers he didn’t see the one in his own bed!
Well said!
The comment I was looking for.
Could not have said it better myself! Bravo to you.
@@maureenlippincott9528 🥰
Omg so true
What a lovely person Ben was. I sold him a snake once when I lived in Columbia and was occasionally at his wife's spa. He was so utterly kind, humble, and gracious--and so fundamentally decent. Such a horror and a shame in a very small and close hobby. We all feel the loss deeply, and I still grieve for this lovely young man. He deserved the world.
So YOU sold him the snake dealer a snake ? And you were also at the wife’s spa? Hmm ok
@@idontknowmuch3441 lmao things do happen ya know.
It’s always the good ones that get sucked in by a sociopath
Court TV should do more of these specials.
100% agree!
Yes! I love them.
Is Brandon Kelly Clarksons ex husband?
@@margaretratcliff1390 holy crap you’re not kidding. This guy is a spitting image now he’s gone on the prison diet.
I love them too!
“Ben will never die. Because we all remember him here. We all talk about him, we all share pictures of him here. He will always be remembered- his legacy of his kindness, the amazing animals he bred”.
“This here is the legacy of Ben Rennick”.
This was a brilliant production which, so rarely these days in crime coverage, centred the victim (s). It centred Ben- his life and his origins, where he came from, the trauma and tragedies of his own that he endured, his character of kindness and love. It centred on his vision and commitment to, and dedication to snakes and reptiles and so clearly, the people in the lives of the reptiles.
It celebrated Ben’s three biggest prides of joy- his children, snakes, and the reptile community/his business.
Ben was an amazing father, that just jumps out from the screen. He was a Dad twice over- the first time he chose to be a Dad through adoption, and the second time through biology. But it’s so clear that each time, Ben *chose* to be a Dad, and that he gave his heart and soul to those two little kids.
It’s clear that Ben had a quietness when he moved through the world- I could feel his gentleness of spirit, his reserved nature, being in the spotlight of the reptile community because of his passion and dedication to the snakes and not because he seeks the spotlight. He impacted upon people quietly, but his actual impact and legacy is deafening.
The horror and senselessness of this crime can’t be escaped as you watch this. But it isn’t in your face, loud and violent. It’s well-paced, and spared from gratuitous detail or the typical americanised docu-horror editing style.
The reptile community is something that I have no experience with. I prefer reptiles of the out of sight, out of mind variety. But by the end of this brilliant program, I learned: of a horrendous murder that currently hasn’t received any sense of justice; that Lynnlee truly has to be a genuine sociopath who has left a trail of destruction In her wake her entire life without once feeling remorse; that Ben Rennick was an incredible man, reptile advocate, and father that the world has been robbed of far too soon in a totally senseless and avoidable horror; that the reptile community are incredible people and even have their own Captain Jack Arrow Snake; and that there are two beautiful little children who are now growing up without any parents, and immeasurable trauma.
Out of everything I known that Ben’s greatest pain would be that he can’t protect his children, especially Matthew, from that.
I hope to see Court Tv create more specials like this, which aren’t sensationalist and are victim centred.
Rest gently Ben. My love to Ben’s brother, his son Matthew, daughter Emma, and all of Ben’s loved ones including the reptile community.
Man you really wrote a whole thesis and everything 📝📋
@@meganb3321 and????🤔
@@Cricket28000 AND this is a comment section…used for MAKING COMMENTS, which is exactly what I did. A simple observation that this person wrote a lot. Nothing more, nothing less. I swear some people always have to try and make something out of nothing.
Have the day you deserve, dear. 😊
@@meganb3321 I usually don’t get involved in online squabbles and bickering, but considering the circumstances, I feel a “thesis” was necessary. This man absolutely deserved it. I read and was moved by every single word the OP wrote and I feel it was a beautiful epitaph for an amazing human being who was obviously deeply loved and will be truly missed. Your comment, although just an observation on your part, absolutely came off rude and disrespectful. We can all see that it was long, however, iT SHOULD BE.
Jesus people!! My comment was not that serious!! I wasn’t even meaning it to be rude or anything! I was not bothered by it, nothing! When did people become so sensitive?! Seems like these last 10-15 years really did a number to people. I could never even imagine being bothered by another persons opinion or comment they make on here. Disagree?? Yes, but some of the things people get their panties in a wad about these days, I just don’t understand. But then again I’m not easily bothered and it takes a LOT to offend me. But just for further reference people of the future who see my original post and feel and are triggered enough to let me know how unnecessary it was, just know: I DIDNT MEAN ANYTHING NEGATIVE BY IT WHATSOEVER!! I saw nothing wrong with the post and honestly could not care less what any chooses to comment on this or any video for that matter. I also genuinely never thought anyone would be so offended by me stating that the comment was long. 🤦🏼♀️ Maybe I should have worded it differently. Maybe I should have just said “that was long” maybe people wouldn’t feel so triggered. Lol 😆 😂
What a horrible woman.. he gave her AND HER SON everything. And now his family has lost him forever. How could you hurt your child and take someone from them? Her children are much better off without her
I’m surprised that she didn’t get sentenced to life without parole. I’m angry at the juror for making that decision.
Please please do more of these. Before big trials. Now I’m so into watching this trial. The quality of this program is right up there with dateline !! Thank you 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼♥️🇨🇦
@@kathismith7441 🤪🤪🤣. Seems like a lot agree with me. 🤷♀️😘
@@kathismith7441 it is just as good just less reanactment but that's my opinion
@@kathismith7441 that's your opinion lol.... I enjoyed this video. Oan, she didn't say it was better she said the quality of the program is right up there with dateline.... I agree.... Great Job CourtTV ❤️ I was totally glued until the end.....
@@kathismith7441 moron*? Learn to spell before you childishly call people names 🤦🏼♀️
@@kathismith7441 your childish name calling doesn't make your opinion any batter. In fact it make you look very immature
Epic special Court TV 🤙🏼 more of these strange case specials please. This was a real treat
She gets out on bail with no money down? What a slap in the face.
So what? She still has to go to prison in the end.
@@awkwardautistic so what, she still got out on MURDER for free!
She also got a slap on the wrist in sentencing
@@MA__ that was a shock, I wonder why
@@jeannineterese1037 because♀️👱♀️
Ben seemed like such a kind loving man. This woman had a priceless gem and she erased him from this earth and took him away from those who loved and appreciated him just for greed.
She had a guy she did not deserve. A huge lesson to wonderful men like Ben, please do not be so quick to love women who will one day turn their back on you and stab you. This was a huge betrayal that I personally will never get over as a woman myself. We women must do better! Money is not everything.
If she’s no 1 suspect, how come she was able to sell her husbands property???
Because no charges had been filed.
Being a suspect doesn't mean you're guilty.
As a reptile/snake person, I'm not sure how I missed this case in 2017.
Oddly...Ben's shooting death happened 3 weeks after Wilmington Serpentarium owner Dean Ripa was shot in the head and killed by his wife.
What a tragic period for the herping community during that short time span.
I'm hoping Court TV will be showing the trial on UA-cam. Should be interesting.
They post all the trials with public interest. I didn't even think of that though, I figured the trial was over or she pled out. I'll be excited to see this one too!
me too
They usually post the more interesting parts of a trial
Me too! I could never the the CourtTV app to work.
I think it will be on Law and Crime network too. We will see, this is a very heartbreaking case. Ben was just 29. Damn woman!
I’m sick and tired of these incompetent investigators!! Why was his wife financial standing investigated right after the murder? Why was she not tested for gun powder residue? Why did it take such a freaking long time meanwhile she ripped Ben’s family of a family land?! 😡😡
Shoddy police work
Right because normally the spouse is the first suspect. So why not in this case?
@@sabrinakeys250
I'll tell ya why. Cause the investigation involved a reptile keeper. Hear all of them? 'A snake crushed his head!' When all in all it was a gunshot wound, and that was the beginning.
You think only movie cops are incompetent, coming in honking & brandishing guns only when the action is over and the civilians have saved themselves. Then you watch true crime documentaries. There's no smoke without fire.
She was a main suspect in the murder from the start. The coronor saw shell casings at the scene and knew he was dealing with a homicide. Within days she called an insurance company, trying to cash in on a million dollar life insurance policy taken out on Ben. And her hands were tested for gun residue. Just check Google and you will find answers.
The biggest snake on the farm was Lynlee! I hope you will do a periodic follow up on the disposition of this case.
Evil Kirsten Dunst!
All those men who still had relationships with her after knowing what she did are seriously sick.
@B4Y SH!T Well said bruh
I will never understand why women who find good men, hardworking, someone who loves the child that is not even his, someone who supports your dreams and brings the income to your house end up doing this. This woman left her kids fatherless and motherless at such a young age for what? Does she even took the time to consider the trauma those two little children would go through? She had it all with him, his only mistake was loving her. I pray for healing and peace for his family and kids. Rest easy Ben.
Me either, I don’t get it either.
well she got some sick friends and lovers brainwashing her
Yes, she is a monster made in hell.
Useless woman. Monster. Lord.
I absolutely get the idea that you can seem to have it all, but you are actually very unhappy. I’ve been there, you know what I did? I LEFT! I organised the shared parenting with my daughter’s dad. A couple of years later my ex had a new wife and was living his best life again. I was (a lot) poorer, but I was v happy. Can you imagine, even if she had got away with it, living your life knowing you ended someone else’s? Watching how the children would be affected over the years? I don’t care how much of a psycho she was, I can’t believe she would just have led a happy life. Or maybe not? Maybe she could absolutely kill the guy and just move on - she certainly is a different kind of person from me and probably every person commenting here.
More specials please! This was great, thank you!
This story is just so sad, my heart goes out to his family, especially his children. It just breaks your heart to think they lost both parents.
When the kids get older and realize what their mother did, will be horrible. R.i.p., Ben. I hope she stays locked up. Smh
This one got me! Everyone loses out on such a special person! That poor family and children all at the hands of there mother!!!!!
Pity they couldnt have prevented her from selling the old family property. She killed him at a unique time after his brother signed over his share to him , that was a huge clue as to who did it. That Greedy woman only married him for what she could get.
damn right!
Her biggest prize is yet to come lol! Trust me she's screwed for a few lifetimes!
There is no amount of money that could replace a stable relationship with a good father. People are so gross and selfish.
The impulsive immediate society we live in.....
Apparently Lynlee was sentenced to 16 years, a lenient sentence in my opinion
That made my blood boil
The shortness of the sentence is truly shocking and vile. Sure hope that she is made to serve the entirety of that 16 year sentence, and isn't let out early on "good behavior".
Ben loved snakes so much that he married one.
🙂
I can’t believe that judge let her walk out no bond. He needs to be thrown in jail. What an idiot and an absolutely horrible judge.
I'm sure the judge had good reason for the decision.
Look up the case of Ryan Ferguson in Columbia, the judge in this case was the prosecutor in the Ryan Ferguson case-Ferguson did 10 years in prison on a murder case that he was wrongfully convicted on. He was only convicted off of 1 person having a “dream” that they did it together..
Ferguson conviction was eventually overturned and paid 12 million.
That judge is incompetent as they come.
lynlee only got 16 yrs and she wont serve Half of That...What an atrocity and insult to Bens family/friends.....she should have fried for what she did.....
@@awkwardautistic sure he did...( a little blonde chick) lynlee...that was his reason....
@@awkwardautisticbeing retarded is not a valid reason, but again USA have not set the bar high.
The sentence is also baffling, 16 years, will probly be out in 10 unless she misbehaves.
I'm a nail tech on the side and to have my hubby (I'm single) to build and help support my own salon....man I'd do everything possible to keep it open. So sick!!!!
Man I am so impressed with the snake breeding community and how they so honorably ride for eachother.
The Tarantula community is the same way
These comments have me cracking up 😆
@@meganb3321 why is that?
@@michaelbrooker7043 why am I FOS? I'm being honest.
Reptile community are good people
Someone hated him with eight shots to one person. Wow wow.
His wife
I feel so sorry for Ben’s brother & friends in the reptile community knowing that Justice was NOT served for Ben when they only gave Lynnlee 16 years! May his memory live on in their lives & I pray for Ben’s kids that they lost such a fantastic father & now they have to live with the fact knowing their own mother was the one that took his life!
Shout out to Dave Kaufman for really putting focus on the hobby and Ben. KAUFMAN is and was a driving force in the Reptile keeping hobby and he always showed Ben love and still does.
came to watch from a comment on his channel , man this story got real dark
First I’ve heard of this story. It’s deserving of more coverage due to interesting subject matter and prolonged intrigue and suspense, and esp considering his friends in reptile world with experience in broadcasting (on UA-cam etc) that would make for good interviewees and storytelling assets
This is the first I've heard of it also. Ben looked so young.
Honestly it has had lots of coverage. Especially around the time it happened and when the wife was arrested..... It was every where.... I'm not into snakes and heard about poor Ben.... However, at least you've been able to see it now..... RIP Ben 🙏🏽🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
I can’t believe I’ve not heard this story before! With so many friends on social media that def shocks me! Just glad to be seeing it now! And I’m just first now seeing the “woman” that kills him and she looks so dang normal 😢💀 This poor man!
Crazy, evil, psycho, have a "look" about them? If they did it would go a long way in stopping crime.😑
There was only one snake he failed to thoroughly research.🙁
Wow, the Renick ghost retic is a gorgeous morph! It inspired me to take a look at some of his other rare morphs & the Tiger het Ghost is freaking amazing. It looks like he was even doing a scaleless breeding program. It’s such a shame that the world lost a good man who only wanted to bring joy to the people around him & to create beauty no one has ever seen before while honing his skills with genetic based breeding. Also that the reptile community lost someone who deeply cared about the animals. So many people don’t know what they’re doing & end up producing unhealthy, genetically inferior snakes that suffer due to chromosomal anomalies & poor temperament/behavioral disorders. The spider morph is a perfect example. Reputable breeders won’t produce them because of the conditions they suffer from. Ben was smart, compassionate & loving. His loss hits even harder during a time where good, decent people are hard to come by. That being said, I’m so happy to see that people are keeping “Renick” in the name of his lines in order to keep his legacy as pure as he would, and to be sure that his name continues to be heard.
incredible that she didn't get life in prison. What the hell was up with that sentencing? A cheating, promiscuous wife kills the father of her children, a stepfather who embraced another mans child, and cold bloodedly murders him for selfish gain.
It's seriously frightening thinking you could be laughing and joking with ladies at a spa who are conspiring to murder someone.
Wow my mouth dropped when it said the dad kiIIed himself. I know this case but never heard any of the background of his family. What a traumatic reminder every Father’s Day.
Did she line herself up with this family after seeing they had wealth when the father was going to be charged and committed suicide? Nobody has mentioned that angle yet. She really IS a snake if that's true.
They do mention she came out of no where like a snake
I was always curious about this case. Thanks for the episode ! ❤️
I met Ben once at a show in Kansas City around 2013 or 2014. I was a complete newb at the time and I probably asked him several stupid questions, but he was patient and kind and answered every question I had. Even though I was new, he had a great reputation in the hobby and I looked up to him.
Does that mean you're going to report live since this trial is next month?
I truly hate how confined those snakes are kept in these breeding facilities.
Actually, they are more comfortable in tight quarters. Rule of thumb for most of us reptile keepers are if the animal can stretch themselves out, it's good, and if the enclosure is glass or too exposed, a hide is almost a must.
@@Superbzapter So snakes must be pretty miserable in the wild having a huge territory to occupy?
@@sdever They don't occupy large territories. They aren't like most mammalian predators. They are opportunististic. They pick a spot and wait for the prey to come to them. That's why they can go so long between meals. I've been working with reptiles for over twenty years and I still only consider myself an intermediate keeper. What's your credentials?
@@Superbzapter Would you prefer to stay in your natural habitat or be shoved into a much smaller artificial version of it and constantly bred? No creature wants that.
@@sdever I'm not sure. Dogs seem more comfortable with shelter. I'm not going to justify puppy mills or snake mills, but there are good breeders put there that take exemplary care of their animals. This man was one of the good ones.
Court TV has done an excellent job on this…just subscribed!
On the snakes behalf my heart breaks to see such beautiful creatures live in plastic small drawers, thats no life for them!
Do you know anything about breeding snakes or their housing needs?!
@@allisonbarry720 Absolutely! Family work for RSPCA and this is equivalent to factory farming of snakes, its horrific and no life for such amazing creatures. Wouldnt be allowed thankfully in the U.K
I just wrote a similar comment! It really hurt me seeing them in matchboxes 💔
@@allisonbarry720 The point is NOT BREEDING THEM AT ALL!
@@julieoluna8887 yeah, this breeding of exotic animals is not good. Snakes, primates, all kinds of exotics. Thank god it’s not Ok here in Britain.
Who the hell knows who is buying them? What situation they are in? Whether new ‘owners’ know the first thing about what they need? Next thing you know, the animal is released or escapes and you have yourself the kind of problems they have in Florida with invasive species.
Great work court tv! I watched this twice! Very good presentation of the victim and his family!
I don’t get this:
polygraphs are not admitted in a court trial bc they’re so inaccurate/unreliable
yet cops use them all the time to either absolutely clear a suspect or decide they’re guilty 🤦🏻♀️🤯
It is in fact not the case that polygraphs cannot be used as evidence in court.
It is actually the case that they can be used as evidence, IF the defendant and other parties agree that they can be. I've forgotten *which* parties but I read it somewhere a few days ago.
It's just rare that those agreements are made or something.
RIP Ben. This was a big hit to the reptile community.
Will you can call her the Queen of Snakes. This is very sad story. She didn't even care about kids.
How long do the snakes have to stay in those little containers? That just seems wrong.
I highly suggest doing research, they like the tight small warm spaces
To let you know the truth they prefer to be small dark places the only time they are in the open is to find food or for searching for the mating in spring all this is provided and they are many generations removed from the wild
The stepson at the funeral made me cry .
So did the hockey player get the snakes? What happened to all of the snakes? Did the wife take care of them after he was dead?
Also I hope the children are doing as best they can. Much love to the kids.
Anyone else looking at Lynlee’s attorneys neck folds and being distracted? Totally disrespectful….I know. I hope she gets the book thrown at her!
She got 16 years
Please do more of these!!!! I love these just as much as the court room coverage!!
What a tragedy for the Kids. Hope they can find peace in their lives. 🙏
My heart go out to him he sound like a great person 💔 sometimes you can't look over other people behaviors because while they smiling in your face they could be plotting your murder 😔
I'm so sorry to his children, family and friends.
Those tiny plastic containers are cruel and inhumane to keep those poor snakes in . Not enough room to move around, no ability to climb and exercise , no environment enrichment.
Rest easy Ben! Justice will be served. Miss you bro!
Man, I never met this man before and I feel as if I am in morning 🥺😢 may he be at peace. 😇🙏🙏🙏🙏 I'm sure he is watching over his children from heaven 😇❤
The eyes will tell you everything about a person.
Not serial killers on the mens side
What if they’re blind
Rest In Peace brother, I always miss seeing you’re smiling face at shows, they aren’t the same without you there
Lynlee- such a beautiful name - that's been completely ruined for eternity. RIP Ben ❤ 🐍
Omg she got the family farm and threw the family off wtf 🤬 A wolf in sheeps clothing . Wow this is tragic. Unfortunately great story .
Community: "People then find out that snakes are completely harmless".
Also community: "Our first thought was a large snake must have killed him".
True. 🧐
This wicked witch had Ben let his potential killer into his safest place. Out of all those poisonous snakes, the two legged one killed him. Makes me wish snakes are like K9s.
_"Once you're around them [poisonous snakes] and handle them, you realize that they're completely harmless..."_
- Breeder of poisonous snakes
Snakes are not poisonous........not even the venomous ones.
@@jessr2521 -> I suspect you're making a distinction between poisonous and venomous. I also suspect your right and my comment exposed me as knowing less than nothing about such matters.
Thx for the tip.
He said the word Bougie LOL
The Murderer suggested Sentence is 13 years .... that is not Justice.
Before the show was over. I knew the guy was going to get more time in jail than her. It’s puzzling why men commit crimes with women in this era when the women movement is so strong and society have a soft heart for women regardless what they do. So Sorry for Ben. Now she will be out in a few years and enjoying her life and money. Just perfect.
Thanks to her his family lost everything their beloved son and the family property.
What an absolute senseless murder. I never met Ben, but I got so sad over this story and looking at his photos and videos; it was so apparent his family, friends and colleagues loved him so much. RIP Ben, thank you for taking such beautiful care of your children and beautiful reptiles. You will never be forgotten. 🙏😞💐💫
Court TV is better than Dateline
She was only given 16 years and convicted of 2nd degree murder?? This was 1st degree murder, not second. She should be in prison for life. I feel so bad for Ben's brother and children. The justice system can be so unjust.
She didn’t care about her children. She wasn’t afraid she was going to lose the children. She wanted the money without Ben. It’s not complicated.
Hope the brother has the kids. Maybe they can buy a new farm. What happened to the petfood business? Why did the brother own the whole property? If it was in both their names then she couldn't have sold it.
I was think8ng the same thing, but later in the video it says that Ben’s brother had signed over his portion of the property to Ben at some time before Ben was murdered.
How some women meet good men and still don't appreciate. RIP Ben😰! One genius young mind taken by greed!!
Hi…I’m Lynlee, I’m the murderer…..👺👺👺Why was the sentence soooo light?? 16 yrs??? I don’t understand this at all
They were wealthy and very well off, but couldn't pay a $2200 credit card bill (22:50)?? I have to wonder if Court TV embellished the "wealthy" part.
In property maybe
Wasn’t it “family “ property?
That’s the problem with being property-rich. You can be worth millions but have no money until you start to sell it off.
Life insurance
They were criminals, the father committed suicide to avoid prison....lots of fraud
The critters at 0:46 aren't snakes--they're legless lizards, a species called the sheltopusik or glass lizard. They have eyelids and earholes, and their faces are sweetly expressive.
Thank you for that absolutely essential information. This case just wouldn’t make sense without it.
@@marymary20 You might want to put some folded paper towels under your sarcasm. It's dripping all over everything.
We lost a great guy, an icon, and a legend. He will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Ben
Did his family get back the childhood home? Imagine what she said to him before she shot him she’s an evil person. So so so sad 😞
Snakes that sell for thousands of dollars. All I can do is ask the question why????
It's the same for pedigree cats and dogs
You can’t trust anyone when it comes to money lynnlee probably targeted him beforehand it seems like it IMO
She very well could have. What a witch.
It seems she really did snake him from day 1
She's evil
The lady in green is a little too aggressive maybe passionate lol 😂
No one commits suicide by shooting themselves in the torso. Either they shoot themselves in the temple or the mouth. So the question is who killed the father?
I was thinking this too! I thought they were going to connect her with it somehow… remember they said “she kind of appeared out of nowhere after his father died”….
people kill themselves all kinds of ways, did you look up statistics
@@gjh9299 No child kills itself when it is aborted. It is murdered in the womb. Did you know that there are approx 35,000,000 abortions worldwide per year?
@@John-kv7jo lol
I respectfully have to disagree with you. 3 of my friends have committed suicide with guns. All 3 shot themselves in the chest.
You can see it in her dead eyes. The eyes are the windows to the soul. Just look...look good and you can see. Poor guy. It's always the nice ones.
Wish Court TV would do a series on Predatory mortgage loans
Hosted by Tim Dillon 😂
Damn this has so much tea 🫖
What a terribly sad story!! So because a woman can’t keep her knickers up & also owes $8.000? So she takes the father of her children’s life,In such a horrendous way!!!
Just unbelievable, he didn’t show any signs of leaving her. He didn’t seem to know what she was up to?
So why? Why? Why?
She also knew about a 1 million dollars life insurance policy..money overr her beautiful family, disgraceful
Reminds me of Lori Vallow and what she did to Charles Vallow. The similarities are astounding
I wonder if they can get the property back since it is not transferable if obtained via criminal activity? meaning, since she killed her husband to obtain it, she cannot legally sell it. she forefits inheritance
I'm afraid of all snakes, but no living being should have to live in those little drawers they keep them in.
Thank you for your kind comment. As an animal activist/lover, rescuer, animal foster person, advocate for the voiceless, that is the first thing I thought about. They deserve to be roaming like their meant to do. While I understand many have them as pets, the least we can do as their owner, is give them a spacious home, nurture and love. It seems to the breeders the snakes/ animal being bred is nothing more than a money pot. That’s why I tell people Adopt, don’t shop! I do understand that’s their way of making money however it’s definitely at the cost of the animal being miserable. Just my opinion. Love from my home to yours! Katie
I agree. They can’t stretch out. Or move much at all. So lay in there waste. That isn’t caring about the animal.
I’m not afraid of snakes, when I was a child I played with lots of Garter snakes in the summers at the cabin . Snakes serve their purpose in nature. It’s sad he married a human snake , poor kids.
I'll never forget seeing little living turtles encased in silicon cases for people to wear around their necks for their sadistic amusement until the animal died; I've never forgotten seeing this horror :(
@@sarahcampbell7929 that is just sick and twisted!! They are being starved and without water. For entertainment and accessories they are being tortured. I’ve never seen it I hope I never do.
All the snake experts on here...
I got news for you... snakes love small dark confined hiding spaces, especially well-fed snakes... they don’t have to go hunt, they don’t have to expend a lot of energy, they love small dark confined spaces. When you were a kid, where did you find snakes...? Under boards, under rocks, in dead tree branches, etc...
Large Constrictors are ambush predators, meaning they lay in wait for prey to come to them.
That racking system is everything a snake loves, that’s why his snakes breed so well...
There's a difference between being locked in a tiny drawer and being under a rock in the elements where you could come and go as you please.
I’m sorry for his kids and brother
As much as I hate looking at those creepy snakes I just couldn't stop watching. Court Tv I love these types of specials
same, I wouldn't hurt them but I like the food they eat much more and don't think snakes love living in a glass box
Rest easy Ben.🙏🏼
This was so good. Very informative documentary in a short form. Nice job Court TV ❗️❗️❗️🙋🏼♀️ Hey 👋 from New Hampshire 😊
Hes a legend the herp world miss’s him
But his poor, poor children!!
@@julielevinge266 I know, its going to be hard for these children I feel so sorry for them! They will come through though, They are not JJ and Tylee for example. Peace and strength to them!
Wow excellent story, sad but great to see the killers get punished !