News: Is the Eli Weaver Story True-
Unraveling the Plot
The world of true crime stories never fails to captivate, and occasionally, it blurs the line between reality and fiction. Lifetime, in recent years, has presented us with a multitude of intriguing tales, one of which is “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story.” This narrative takes us on a journey through the life of Eli Weaver, portrayed by Luke Macfarlane, who hails from the Amish community. In this article, we delve into the truth behind this gripping Lifetime movie.
A Glimpse into the Plot
“Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story” narrates the life of Eli Weaver, a member of the Amish community, played by Luke Macfarlane. This movie unfolds a tale of infidelity and murder against the backdrop of the typically serene Amish way of life. Luke Macfarlane portrays a character with shades of darkness, a departure from his usual roles.
The Real Story Behind the Movie
Yes, “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story” is indeed grounded in reality, although the events it portrays are not recent. The inspiration for this movie dates back to June 2, 2009, centering around the tragic murder of Barbara Weaver, a 30-year-old mother of five deeply devoted to the Amish community.
The story of Eli Weaver, the focal point of the movie, intertwines with Barbara’s life during their Rumspringa. This period serves as a rite of passage for the Amish, allowing them to explore the outside world before making a lifelong commitment to their faith. Barbara faced inner conflict, torn between her faith and the outside world, while Eli readily embraced the secular world with parties and extramarital affairs.
Even more shocking, during his affairs, Eli openly discussed his desire to rid himself of his wife, a fact corroborated by multiple women who later came forward to the police. Barbara’s sister revealed that she had suspicions about Eli’s involvement with another woman shortly before her tragic demise.
The Mistress and the Murder Plan
Eli’s likely mistress was Barb Raber, a 39-year-old married mother of three from the Mennonite community. In the weeks leading up to Barbara’s murder, Eli and Raber exchanged numerous text messages, meticulously planning the unthinkable act. They even resorted to searching the internet for disturbing information, including inquiries 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 ablaze with her inside. Shockingly, when Raber inquired about the fate of Eli’s five children, his callous response was that their lives held no significance, as death would merely send them “straight to Heaven.”
Although Raber initially attempted to carry out the murder, fear overcame her, and she abandoned the plan. Eli, however, persuaded her to make a second attempt, assuring her that everything would go smoothly. To create an alibi, Eli went on a fishing trip with friends while Raber sneaked into the Weaver home, ultimately taking Barbara’s life with a shotgun. The Weaver children later alerted a neighbor, who promptly contacted the police.
The Investigation and Justice Served
Despite having an alibi, suspicion swiftly fell upon Eli. In an attempt to divert attention, Raber had a friend leave a threatening voicemail for Eli, but this ruse failed to deceive the authorities. When the police discovered Eli’s involvement in online dating, they realized he had a cell phone, a breach of Amish customs.
A sting operation involving one of Eli’s former acquaintances yielded his cell phone number. Subpoenaed phone records unveiled all the incriminating texts exchanged between Eli and Raber concerning their sinister plan. This undeniable evidence led to their convictions.
Where Are They Now?
Eli Weaver and Barb Raber both reside behind bars today. Eli, 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, received a life sentence and becomes eligible for parole in 2032, at the age of 62.
Eli Weaver’s Appearance
Given the movie’s portrayal of Eli as an “Amish stud,” it’s natural to wonder about his physical appearance. In reality, Eli Weaver doesn’t quite resemble the movie’s depiction. Instead of a handsome leading man, he bears more of a resemblance to Chris Pratt in Season 1 of “Parks & Recreation.”
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. Cable subscribers can stream it online via Lifetime’s website, while those without cable can still enjoy it 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 boasts a talented cast, featuring Luke Macfarlane as Eli Weaver, Miranda MacDougall as Barbara, Kirsten Vangsness as Barb Raber, and Clare Filipow as Abigail.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story” is indeed a true story, and the real-life events are as shocking as their portrayal in the movie. It serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and darker aspects of human behavior lurking beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful communities. This story is truly gripping, and for fans of true crime tales, it’s a movie well 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.
