Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Lynlee Renick

Release Date: July 6, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves into the tragic and complex case of Lynlee Renick, a woman whose life spiraled from a seemingly perfect marriage to the cold-blooded murder of her husband, Ben Renick. This detailed account explores the intricate web of relationships, financial struggles, and hidden affairs that ultimately led to the unraveling of Lynlee’s facade.

Background: Ben and Lynlee Renick

Ben Renick was a renowned snake breeder in Montgomery County, Missouri, who built a successful business, Renick Reptiles, specializing in rare and designer snakes. Born in 1987, Ben grew up on a 40-acre family farm alongside his brother, Sam Renick. Despite a challenging childhood marked by their mother's battle with stage four breast cancer and their father's subsequent suicide in 2012, Ben forged a path toward success in the exotic pet industry.

In 2011, Ben reconnected with Lynlee Jo Gallatin, a 23-year-old massage school graduate from Wellsville, Missouri, who had recently become a single mother. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading Lynlee to move into Ben's family farm and collaborate closely on his reptile business. By 2014, Ben and Lynlee were married, and their partnership extended beyond personal into professional realms as Lynlee opened a sensia spa in nearby Columbia in 2016, further solidifying their prosperous life together.

The Murder: June 8, 2017

On a seemingly peaceful summer evening, Lynlee Renick made a frantic 911 call:

Lynlee Renick [02:33]: "911, with the address Hamm Emergency."

Investigators initially suspected a snake attack at Ben's vast breeding facility, which housed between three and four thousand snakes. However, upon arrival, first responders discovered Ben's body covered in blood, with significant gunshot wounds indicating a clear homicide:

Ben Renick [05:16]: "He'd been shot in the back several times and then ultimately shot in the back of the head."

Further examination revealed shell casings and divots in the floor, suggesting Ben was shot multiple times after hitting the ground. Shockingly, the idea that a snake could have caused such injuries was swiftly dismissed by the EMTs on scene.

Initial Investigation and Family Dynamics

The investigation quickly shifted focus from potential animal attacks to human involvement. Sam Renick, Ben's brother, and Lynlee were scrutinized. During interviews, Sam expressed disbelief that Ben was murdered, emphasizing Ben's likable nature:

Sam Renick [05:54]: "Everyone loved Ben."

Despite their initial shock, investigators uncovered underlying tensions within the Renick family, particularly regarding their father's past mismanagement of a pet food company, which had left lingering debts and potential motives related to investment fraud.

Financial Struggles and Relationship Strain

As Ben's reptile business thrived, Lynlee faced financial pressures with her spa, leading to significant strain in their marriage. Text and social media analyses revealed:

Sam Renick [09:33]: "Ben was having to front a lot of bills for Lynlee's spa. This created a really big wedge between the two."

Ben's concerns about Lynlee’s financial management and possible infidelity began to surface. Lynlee's constant involvement in both businesses, coupled with mounting debts, created a volatile environment ripe for conflict.

Lynlee's Affairs and Suspicious Behavior

Investigators discovered that Lynlee was involved in multiple extramarital affairs, which became a pivotal aspect of the case. Initial suspects included Eric Bremer, a marketing professional, and later, Brandon Blackwell, a local man she reconnected with shortly before the murder. Both provided alibis that initially cleared them of suspicion.

However, a breakthrough came when Lynlee’s communications revealed deeper financial desperation and manipulation. Her relationship with Brandon Blackwell evolved into a controlling and abusive partnership, further complicating her motives and actions.

The Arrest and Trial

Months after the murder, significant evidence pointed towards Lynlee. Her aggressive attempts to cash in on Ben's life insurance policy shortly after his death and the sudden sale of the Renick family farm raised red flags. In January 2020, after inconsistencies in her statements and mounting evidence, Lynlee was arrested.

During the trial, key testimonies emerged:

Ashley Shaw [38:34]: "She was the one that came, got the Percocets. She was the one who also helped find Michael Humphrey for this as well. She was right there with Lynlee the entire time to try to set all of this up."

Despite Lynlee's defense claiming self-defense and blaming Michael Humphrey, her accomplice, Ashley Shaw, testified against her, detailing their calculated plans to murder Ben using narcotics and firearms.

Verdict and Aftermath

After a tense four-day trial, Lynlee Renick was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 16 years in prison:

Sam Renick [43:13]: "I believe that greed is what killed my brother. Lynlee's greed. She knew that the farm was in Ben's name and he just took out a $1 million life insurance policy."

The sentence, though significant, felt insufficient to Sam and Ben's children, leaving a lingering sense of injustice. Lynlee continues to maintain her innocence, while lingering legal battles and emotional scars persist within the Renick family.

Conclusion

The Lynlee Renick case serves as a haunting reminder of how financial pressures and personal betrayals can culminate in tragic violence. This episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder expertly weaves together the complexities of familial love, business struggles, and the dark side of human relationships, offering listeners a compelling narrative of intrigue and justice.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sam Renick [06:18]: "It's unique growing up on a farm. I think Ben might have been 12 years old when he got his first snake."

• Ben Renick [08:18]: "We will hopefully be able to produce sunflower tiger titaniums that are also albino."

• Sam Renick [10:30]: "Ben was really happy to be finally married to Lynlee and started life together."

• Lynlee Renick [16:28]: "What may have happened."

• Ashley Shaw [25:30]: "Ashley Shaw is the business manager. She's a very organized person who is trying to keep this business on track. She's very close with Lynlee."

• Sam Renick [43:13]: "I believe that greed is what killed my brother. Lynlee's greed."

Reflections

The Lynlee Renick episode underscores the intricate layers of human behavior and the devastating impact of deceit and greed. For listeners, it offers a profound exploration of how seemingly stable lives can hide dark secrets, leading to irreversible consequences.

For those seeking to understand the depths of human motives and the pursuit of justice, this episode provides a thorough and emotionally charged narrative that resonates long after the last word is heard.