Eli Weaver Wife: The Tragic Murder of Barbara Weaver

Introduction: Eli Weaver Wife

Eli Weaver wife is Barbara Weaver. Barbara Weaver (née Miller, born February 2, 1979 – died June 2, 2009, age 30) was a devoted Old Order Amish woman, a mother of five young children—Wayne, Allen, Emma, Marvin, and Marie, and a faithful wife in the conservative Andy Weaver Amish community of Apple Creek, Ohio. She lived a quiet life without modern conveniences, raising her children according to Amish faith and tradition. Her life ended brutally when she was shot in the chest with a shotgun inside her own home, while her husband Eli Weaver was away on a fishing trip.

What makes this case so disturbing—and why it continues to fascinate true crime audiences—is that Barbara’s murder was not a random act of violence. It was the result of betrayal from within her marriage, a carefully planned conspiracy involving her husband and his mistress, Barbara Raber. The crime exposed a hidden double life that clashed violently with Amish values of humility, faithfulness, and community accountability.

The case became widely known through books like A Killing in Amish Country by Gregg Olsen and Rebecca Morris, investigative reporting by People.com, true crime television on Oxygen and A&E, and the Lifetime movie “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story.” Behind the headlines and dramatizations, however, lies the heartbreaking reality of Barbara Weaver’s death, the trauma inflicted on her children, and the shock that rippled through the Amish world.

This article explores the full, verified story of eli weaver wife, from Barbara’s life and marriage to Eli Weaver, to the affair, the murder timeline, the investigation, and where the key figures are today. It also examines how this case exposed the tension between strict religious traditions and human temptation—and how justice ultimately reached a closed community that rarely sees the inside of a courtroom.

Who Was Eli Weaver? Background and Lifestyle

Eli Weaver was born and raised in an Old Order Amish community in Ohio, where strict rules govern daily life—no electricity, no cars, no internet, and no personal technology. On the surface, Eli appeared to be a successful Amish man. He owned a hunting and sporting goods store, was known as outgoing and charismatic, and seemed well integrated into community life.

But behind the plain clothing and horse-drawn buggies, Eli Weaver lived a deeply contradictory life. Court records and testimony later revealed that he had multiple extramarital affairs, repeatedly left the Amish church, and was shunned—only to return. Each return required confession and repentance, but the pattern continued.

Secretly, Eli owned a cell phone and laptop, both forbidden in Amish culture. Using these devices, he accessed online dating chatrooms where he adopted the nickname “Amish Stud.” This online persona allowed him to pursue relationships outside his marriage while maintaining the appearance of a faithful Amish husband.

The contradiction between Eli’s public Amish identity and his private actions would eventually culminate in tragedy. According to prosecutors, Eli wanted freedom from his marriage without facing the consequences of divorce or permanent shunning. That desire became a central motive in the eli weaver wife murder case.

Barbara Weaver: The Devoted Amish Wife and Mother

Barbara Weaver was everything Eli was not. Described by family, neighbors, and court witnesses as “super nice,” gentle, and hardworking, Barbara embodied traditional Amish values. Born Barbara Miller, she grew up in an Old Order Amish family that emphasized faith, obedience, and family responsibility.

Barbara married Eli Weaver in May 1999, entering a marriage that would last ten years and produce five children. As an Amish wife, Barbara’s life revolved around her home—cooking, cleaning, sewing, gardening, and caring for her children without modern appliances. Divorce was not a realistic option within her faith, even when her husband strayed.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Barbara knew about Eli’s infidelity. Yet she remained committed to her marriage and children, handling the humiliation quietly. In Amish culture, enduring hardship is often seen as a spiritual duty, and Barbara followed that path faithfully.

Her daily routine was simple and consistent. She woke early, prepared meals from scratch, tended to her children, and supported her husband’s business. Friends recalled that she rarely complained and always prioritized her family’s well-being.

On June 2, 2009, that life was violently taken from her. The barbara weaver death shocked not just her family, but an entire community that rarely experiences such crimes. Her murder shattered the assumption that Amish life is immune to the darkest aspects of human behavior.

The Affair and Conspiracy: Enter Barbara Raber

The turning point in the Eli Weaver Barbara Weaver story was the introduction of Barbara Raber, a Mennonite woman who worked as a taxi driver for Amish clients. Unlike the Amish, Mennonites are permitted to use cars and technology, which allowed Raber to act as a bridge between Eli’s Amish life and the modern world.

Eli and Raber began a long-term affair years before the murder. Raber provided Eli with a cell phone and laptop, drove him to secret meetings, and helped him maintain his online identity as “Amish Stud.” Thousands of text messages between the two later became key evidence.

Those messages revealed chilling discussions about killing Barbara Weaver. They talked about poisoning, staging accidents, and eventually settled on using a gun. Prosecutors argued that Eli wanted to be a widower rather than a divorced man—widowers could remarry without being permanently shunned.

Raber, deeply involved emotionally, agreed to help. The affair evolved into a murder conspiracy, making the case one of the most infamous examples of betrayal in Amish-related true crime history.

The Murder: Timeline of June 2, 2009

The events of June 2, 2009, unfolded with terrifying precision.

Step-by-Step Timeline

3:00 a.m. – Eli Weaver leaves his home in Apple Creek, Ohio, claiming he is going on a fishing trip.
Early Morning – Barbara Raber enters the Weaver home. There are no signs of forced entry, suggesting Barbara Weaver trusted whoever came inside.
Moments Later – Raber shoots Barbara Weaver at close range with a .410-gauge shotgun, striking her in the chest.
After the Shooting – Raber flees the scene. The weapon was later traced to Raber’s husband.
Discovery – One of the Weaver children and neighbors become involved after the shooting is discovered.
Initial Investigation – Eli returns and denies involvement, portraying himself as a grieving husband.

Police from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office quickly noticed inconsistencies. Text messages between Eli and Raber, along with the lack of forced entry, pointed investigators toward an inside job. Eventually, Raber confessed, and Eli’s role became undeniable.

Investigation and Trial

The investigation relied heavily on digital evidence, rare in Amish-related cases. Thousands of text messages detailed planning, motive, and intent. Faced with overwhelming proof, Eli Weaver accepted a plea deal.

Sentences

Eli Weaver pleaded guilty to complicity to murder and received 15 years to life in prison. He testified against Barbara Raber.
Barbara Raber was convicted of aggravated murder and sentenced to 23 years to life.

Appeals followed, reaching the Ohio Supreme Court, but the convictions were upheld. According to correctional records, as of 2026, Eli Weaver remains incarcerated at Grafton Correctional Institution, with parole eligibility but no release. Raber also remains in prison.

Impact on the Amish Community and Family

The amish stud murder devastated the Andy Weaver Amish community. Violent crime is extremely rare, and murder almost unheard of. Barbara’s five children were taken in by her sister, ensuring they were raised within the Amish faith.

The case forced difficult conversations about secrecy, accountability, and the dangers of unchecked behavior. Media attention—from books, documentaries, and dramatizations—brought global scrutiny to a community that values privacy above all else.

Where Are They Now in 2026?

Eli Weaver: Still incarcerated; no public record of remarriage.
Barbara Raber: Serving her sentence; parole eligibility remains years away.
Barbara Weaver’s Children: Raised by extended family, largely out of the public eye.

Lessons from the Case

The eli weaver wife murder case is a reminder that strict communities are not immune to human flaws. It highlights the dangers of secrecy, the consequences of betrayal, and the importance of justice—even in closed societies.

Eli Weaver Case Timeline

Year/Date	Event	Details
May 1999	Marriage	Eli Weaver marries Barbara Miller
Early 2000s	Affairs	Eli begins multiple extramarital relationships
June 2, 2009	Murder	Barbara Weaver shot in her home
2010	Trial	Raber convicted; Eli pleads guilty
2016–2024	Appeals	Convictions upheld
2026	Present Status	Both remain incarcerated

10 Key Facts About Barbara Weaver

Born February 2, 1979
Married Eli Weaver in 1999
Mother of five children
Lived Old Order Amish lifestyle
Knew of husband’s infidelity
Described as kind and gentle
Murdered at age 30
Shot with a .410-gauge shotgun
Death shocked Amish community
Case inspired books and films

FAQ: Eli Weaver Wife Case

Q1. Who was Eli Weaver’s wife?
Barbara Weaver, an Old Order Amish mother of five, murdered in 2009.

Q2. Did Eli Weaver remarry?
No confirmed remarriage as of 2026.

Q3. Where is Eli Weaver now?
He remains incarcerated in Ohio.

Q4. What happened to Barbara Raber?
She is serving a 23-years-to-life sentence.

Q5. What inspired the “Amish Stud” movie?
The real-life murder of Barbara Weaver.

Conclusion

The story of eli weaver wife Barbara Weaver is one of profound tragedy, betrayal, and accountability. Her murder exposed a hidden world of deception behind a façade of religious devotion and left five children without a mother. More than a sensational true crime story, it is a cautionary tale about unchecked secrecy and the devastating cost of infidelity.

If you follow true crime cases that reveal deeper social truths, the Eli Weaver wife murder remains one of the most haunting—and instructive—cases of modern American crime.