16 Years To Life: The Shocking True Story Of Ben Renick’s Murder And His Wife’s Conspiracy

The murder of Benjamin “Ben” Renick, the world-renowned Missouri snake breeder, remains one of the most sensational true crime stories of the last decade, not just for the shocking nature of the crime but for the initial, bizarre cover-up. On this day in December 2025, the case continues to draw attention, as the key conspirators—his wife, Lynlee Renick, and her ex-boyfriend, Michael Humphrey—are now serving their lengthy sentences, with new details emerging about their appeals and current status in the correctional system. The story of the "rock star" of the reptile world, whose life was cut short at just 29, is a complex web of financial desperation, infidelity, and a cold-blooded plot that was initially mistaken for a tragic accident involving one of his prized serpents.

Ben Renick’s death in June 2017 sent shockwaves through the niche reptile community and captivated the nation. What began as a mysterious death at his New Florence facility, Renick Reptiles, eventually unraveled into a calculated murder-for-hire plot fueled by a desperate financial situation and a million-dollar life insurance policy. The latest legal updates confirm that both Lynlee Renick and Michael Humphrey have exhausted their immediate legal options, solidifying their prison terms and bringing a definitive, though painful, closure to the Renick family.

Ben Renick: The 'Rock Star' of the Reptile World (Biography)

Benjamin “Ben” Blue-Brich Renick was more than just a snake breeder; he was an industry titan and a true innovator in the world of selective reptile breeding. Born and raised in Missouri, Ben developed a passion for reptiles that quickly turned into a highly lucrative, nationwide business.

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• Full Name: Benjamin “Ben” Blue-Brich Renick
• Occupation: Self-Employed Owner/Operator of Renick Reptiles, Inc.
• Location: New Florence, Montgomery County, Missouri
• Business Focus: Specializing in the selective breeding of exotic snakes, particularly high-value morphs of ball pythons and other constrictors.
• Scale of Business: At the time of his death, his facility housed over 3,000 snakes, with some specimens selling for thousands of dollars, establishing him as a "rock star" in the global reptile trade.
• Family: Married to Lynlee Renick, with whom he had two children.
• Date of Death: June 8, 2017 (Age 29)

Ben Renick's reputation was built on his expertise and his ability to breed rare and beautiful color mutations in snakes, known as "morphs." His facility, Renick Reptiles, was a major player in the market, attracting buyers from all over the world. This success, however, also meant his business held significant financial value, a fact that would tragically become a central element in his murder.

The Fatal Day: From Suspected Serpent Attack to Cold Case

On the morning of June 8, 2017, Ben Renick was found dead inside his reptile breeding facility in New Florence, Missouri. The initial scene was chaotic and misleading. Surrounded by thousands of exotic snakes, investigators first entertained the possibility that he had been killed by one of his own animals, a theory that momentarily obscured the truth.

The coroner’s examination, however, quickly dismissed the serpent attack theory. Ben had been shot eight times—once at close range to the head and multiple times in the back. This was no accident; it was a brutal, targeted homicide. Despite the clear evidence of murder, the case stalled, turning into a "cold case" for nearly three years due to a lack of immediate suspects or a clear motive.

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The Breakthrough: A Confession Blows the Case Open

The investigation was reignited in 2020 when a former employee of Lynlee Renick’s spa came forward with a shocking claim: Lynlee had confessed to conspiring to murder her husband. This critical tip led to the arrest of Lynlee Renick and her ex-boyfriend, Michael Humphrey, on January 16, 2020.

According to court testimony, Lynlee had initially tried to recruit several people to kill Ben, before finally enlisting the help of Michael Humphrey, a man with whom she had maintained an intimate relationship. The plan involved luring Ben to his facility under the pretense of a late-night business meeting, where Humphrey would be waiting to carry out the shooting.

The Conspiracy Unravels: Financial Motives and the Accomplice

The motive for the murder was rooted in a desperate financial situation and a desire to collect on a substantial life insurance policy. While Ben Renick’s reptile business was successful, the couple was reportedly under severe financial duress. Lynlee Renick’s own spa business was struggling, and Facebook messages revealed heated arguments between the couple over loan payments, rent, and staff salaries.

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The prosecution successfully argued that Lynlee Renick saw her husband's death as the only viable solution to her financial problems, primarily to claim the million-dollar life insurance payout. This financial desperation became the cornerstone of the murder conspiracy trial.

The Role of Michael Humphrey

Michael Humphrey, an ex-boyfriend of Lynlee’s, was the individual who ultimately pulled the trigger. His involvement was crucial to the prosecution's case. Humphrey was convicted of first-degree murder and armed criminal action, reflecting his direct role as the shooter in the calculated plot.

The trials revealed a chilling level of planning and coordination between Lynlee and Humphrey. Their communication, the initial attempts to find other accomplices, and the execution of the murder underscored the premeditated nature of the crime, dismantling the initial, innocent facade of a grieving widow.

Justice Served: The Sentences of Lynlee Renick and Michael Humphrey (Latest Updates)

After separate trials, both Lynlee Renick and Michael Humphrey were convicted for their roles in the heinous murder of Ben Renick. The latest updates as of December 2025 confirm the finality of their sentences after the conclusion of their appeals processes.

Lynlee Renick’s Sentence and Current Status

Lynlee Renick was convicted of second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Her final sentence was a total of 16 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

• Conviction: Second-Degree Murder (13 years) and Armed Criminal Action (3 years).
• Total Sentence: 16 years.
• Parole Eligibility: She is eligible for parole in 2034.
• Appeal Status: Lynlee Renick dropped her appeal in 2023, solidifying her sentence.

She is currently serving her term, having been found guilty despite her claims of being an unwilling participant manipulated by her accomplice.

Michael Humphrey’s Sentence and Current Status

Michael Humphrey, who was found guilty of first-degree murder for being the shooter, received a much harsher penalty.

• Conviction: First-Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action.
• Total Sentence: Life in Prison.
• Appeal Status: Humphrey's appeal was denied by the Missouri appellate court, confirming his life sentence.

Humphrey's life sentence reflects the jury's view of his direct and primary role in the fatal shooting. The denial of his appeal ensures that he will remain incarcerated for the foreseeable future, serving justice for the popular reptile breeder.

The Ben Renick case serves as a stark reminder that behind the success and glamour of a unique business, a dark conspiracy can lurk. The murder of the renowned snake breeder, initially a mystery, was ultimately solved through the tireless work of investigators and the crucial testimony that revealed a plot driven by greed and desperation. With both conspirators now locked away, the Renick family can finally find a measure of peace, knowing that the "rock star" of the reptile world received justice.