Where is Barbara Raber Now from Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story on Lifetime?

The name Barbara Raber was brought to the public after she was convicted in the killing of Eli Weaver’s wife, Barbara Weaver. Lifetime aired an original movie telling the story of the Amish Stud: Eli Weaver during the “Ripped from the Headlines” movie event in 2023. You may be wondering, where is Barbara Raber now?

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Who is Barbara Raber?

Barbara “Barb” Raber was one of many girls whom Eli Weaver had affairs with while married to his wife, Barbara Weaver. Investigators found out that Eli had been attempting to find someone to help kill his wife before asking Barb Raber. However, his charm had overtaken her and she was willing to do whatever he asked, in the name that they could finally be together.

According to documents during the investigation, she performed over 800 Internet searches on how to kill someone. Eli made sure to go fishing with his friend on the day his wife was to be killed so he would have an alibi. However, Barb Raber did not have one. She herself had a husband and three children at the time of the affair and killing.

Did Barbara Raber Really Kill Eli’s Wife, Barbara Weaver?

Raber’s fingerprints were never found in the house during the investigation. However, she said she only intended to scare Eli’s wife, but the gun went off by accident. Later though Raber said she never remembered actually being in the house. During the court case, her attorney made the argument that Eli actually shot his wife before he left his house real early in the morning to go fishing.

Who was Barbara Raber in the Lifetime Movie?

Luke Macfarlane portrays Eli Weaver in the Lifetime movie, alongside Kirsten Vangsness from “Criminal Minds” fame, who portrayed Barbara Raber.

Why Didn’t Eli Weaver Just Divorce Barbara Weaver?

Eli Weaver knew that in the Amish world, it was easier to have a widower than to divorce his wife. If he was in fact a widower, he would have been embraced by his community and therefore, be able to live both of his lives.

He always wanted his wife’s sister to take care of the children instead, which actually ended up happening in the end.

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Where is Barbara Raber Now?

Barbara Raber was convicted in the killing of Barbara Weaver and is currently serving a 23 year sentence.  She was convicted in September 2009.  Raber is in the Ohio Reformatory for Women and will be eligible for parole in June 2032.

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See the Movie Trailer for Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story

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Where is Eli Weaver Now from Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story on Lifetime?

Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story on Lifetime (2023)