Lifetime’s fall film lineup continues with one other true crime story, this time with an Amish twist. Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story units a seedy story of infidelity and homicide in opposition to the normally tranquil world of the Amish.
The film stars Luke Macfarlane — who we simply noticed on Hallmark in Notes of Autumn — because the titular Amish stud. If you’ve been ready for Macfarlane to cease enjoying lovable hunks and break unhealthy, that is the film for you.
The actual query is, although, simply how true to life is Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story? Who is Eli Weaver and was he actually an “Amish stud”? And if Eli Weaver is actual, then the place is he now? Fortunately we’ve solutions to all these questions.
Is Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story primarily based on a real story?
Yes it’s, though it’s not as latest a criminal offense because the true story behind final week’s film. The homicide of Barbara Weaver — a 30-year-old married mom of 5 and religious member of an Amish group — happened on June 2, 2009. Barbara first met Eli Weaver circa 1999 once they had been on their Rumspringa, a ceremony of passage for the Amish whereby they discover the surface world. While Barbara had a tough time with leaving her religion behind, Eli threw himself into them by partying and hooking up with ladies.
Following their Rumspringa, Eli and Barbara married and had 5 youngsters collectively. Eli was nonetheless frequently dishonest on Barbara with ladies from exterior the Amish religion. Eli would meet ladies utilizing a courting profile the place he dubbed himself the “AMISH STUD,” and he finally fathered a baby with one among these ladies. When questioned by police, a number of ladies stated Eli talked about eliminating his spouse ceaselessly throughout their affairs. Eli even left Barbara for a short while, leading to him being shunned. He finally requested for forgiveness and returned to his spouse and the group. Barbara’s sister later stated that Barbara suspected Eli of getting a brand new mistress simply previous to her homicide.
That mistress was doubtless Barb Raber, a 39-year-old married, Mennonite, mom of three who spent her time working as a driver for these within the neighboring Amish group. In the weeks main as much as Barbara’s homicide, Eli and Raber spent loads of time arising with a homicide plan by way of textual content message. A pc present in Raber’s house held 800 completely different searches for tactics to homicide somebody, together with “10 finest methods to kill your self” and “How a lot rat poison will kill an individual?” The two thought of all the things from a poisoned cupcake to setting the home on hearth together with her in it. When Raber requested concerning the destiny of Eli’s 5 youngsters, Eli stated they didn’t matter as a result of in the event that they died “they might go straight to Heaven.”
Raber first tried to homicide Barbara just a few weeks forward of her homicide, however she acquired scared and referred to as it off. Eli satisfied her to strive once more and psyched her up when she expressed doubt. To give himself an alibi, Eli went on a fishing journey along with his associates whereas Raber snuck into the Weaver family and shot Barbara with a shotgun. Barbara’s youngsters later alerted their neighbor, who referred to as the police.
The police instantly suspected Eli, although he had an alibi. To attempt to cowl their tracks, Raber had a buddy name and depart a voicemail saying, “Eli, you may run however you may’t disguise. We’ll get you. Obviously we acquired the fallacious particular person final night time.” This didn’t persuade the police. When they found Eli’s on-line courting actions, in addition they realized that Eli needed to have a cellular phone regardless of his Amish religion. The cops arrange a sting with one among Eli’s ex-flings and acquired his cellular phone quantity. They subpoenaed his telephone information and found that the telephone was in Barb Raber’s identify, in addition to the entire texts between Eli and Raber about methods to homicide his spouse. Case closed.
If you need extra of a real crime telling of this story, you may try A&E’s City Confidential, episode 7×2.
Where are Eli Weaver and Barb Raber right this moment?
Both are at the moment in jail. Eli Weaver testified in opposition to Raber, was convicted of complicity to homicide, and was sentenced to fifteen years to life. He can be eligible for parole subsequent yr, 2024, when he can be 44. Barb Raber was convicted of aggravated homicide, and sentenced to life in jail. She can be eligible for parole in 2032. She can be 62.
What did the true Eli Weaver appear like? Was Eli Weaver an actual Amish stud?
It could seem to be a bizarre query to ask, however it’s legitimate. Not solely is Eli Weaver’s attractiveness an important a part of the true crime story, because it explains his sway over so many ladies as a self-proclaimed “Amish stud,” the film forged the objectively engaging Luke Macfarlane within the position. So, what’s the deal?
Honestly, Eli Weaver has far more of a Chris Pratt in Parks & Recreation Season 1 vibe to him.
What time does Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story premiere on Lifetime?
Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story debuts on Lifetime on Saturday, September 30 at 8 p.m. ET. If you’ve gotten a cable login, it is possible for you to to stream the film because it airs on-line by way of Lifetime’s web site.
If you don’t have a cable login, you may nonetheless watch Lifetime motion pictures as they air by way of the next stay TV streaming providers: Sling TV, frndly, Hulu, , and Philo.
When will Lifetime rerun Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story?
Following the premiere on Saturday, September 30 at 8 p.m. ET, Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story will re-air on Lifetime on the following time:
- 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
How to stream Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story
If you miss Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story when it airs on Lifetime, you’ll nonetheless have the ability to stream it on Lifetime’s web site without spending a dime (with adverts). You may also stream it on-demand by way of Sling TV, frndly, Hulu, , and Philo..
Who is within the Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story forged?
Luke Macfarlane (Bros, Platonic) performs the Amish stud; Miranda MacDougall (The Flash) performs Eli’s spouse Barbara; Kirsten Vangsness (Criminal Minds) performs Barb Raber; Clare Filipow (Virgin River) performs Abigail.
Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story premieres on Lifetime on September 30 at 8 p.m. ET.
