Americans from across the nation tuned in to Court TV on Thursday, as a Clay County jury convicted a Columbia woman and former spa owner of second degree murder for the 2017 death of her husband.
Lyleee Renick’s head went down, as Boone County Circuit Judge Kevin Crane read the verdict in court. Lynlee began crying a few minutes later, and a 939 the Eagle reporter could hear her sobbing outside the courtroom, after she was led away by bailiffs at the Boone County Courthouse.
The jury is recommending a 13-year prison sentence for second degree murder. Judge Crane will make the final sentencing decision in January.
Missouri Assistant Attorney General Kevin Zoellner told jurors during the penalty phase that Lynlee killed her husband for money, sex and freedom.
During the penalty phase, defense attorney Katherine Berger told the jury that two of the four people involved in the case, Rachel Hunt and Ashley Shaw, won’t serve a day in prison. Berger also told jurors that Zoellner and another prosecutor were laughing and rolling their eyes, during the trial. It’s unclear what Berger was referring to.
The murder happened in Ben Renick’s snake barn in Montgomery County, and the case has ties to Columbia and Jefferson City.
The trial has drawn national media attention. Court TV broadcast the trial live nationally, and “Dateline NBC” and CBS’ “48 Hours” also had crews in Columbia for the trial.