Barbara Raber Obituary – Death: Where are Eli Weaver and Barbara Raber

The close-knit Amish community of Apple Creek, Ohio, was left in shock and turmoil following the brutal murder of a young mother, Barbara Weaver. This tragic event unfolded in June 2009, triggering a meticulous investigation into the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise. Astonishingly, all signs pointed to her husband’s involvement, igniting a deep dive into his personal life. Two television programs, ‘Murder in Amish Country: The Amish Stud’ on Investigation Discovery and ‘Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver’ on Lifetime, both chronicle the law enforcement’s relentless pursuit of justice in Barbara’s case. Let’s delve into the harrowing details of this heart-wrenching tragedy.

The circumstances surrounding Barbara Weaver’s death are currently under investigation, with the cause of her passing yet to be determined and thoroughly examined.

Barbara D. Weaver, born in February 1979, spent most of her life in the Apple Creek community. In May 1999, she exchanged vows with Eli Weaver, and their union brought five children into the world. A cherished and compassionate member of the community, Barbara was renowned for her gentle nature and unswerving devotion to her children. However, on the fateful morning of June 2, 2009, one of her children made a chilling discovery that would forever alter their lives.

Barbara was found unresponsive in her bed, prompting her child to seek assistance from a nearby neighbor, who promptly dialed 911. Upon arrival, authorities made a distressing discovery: Barbara had tragically lost her life due to a single gunshot wound to her chest, inflicted with a .410-gauge shotgun. As investigators ruled out robbery due to a lack of forced entry and untouched money in plain view, their attention turned to Eli, Barbara’s husband, who was absent from the scene at the time of the incident.

The case of Barbara Weaver’s death has been shrouded in speculation and investigation, with the identity of her assailant remaining elusive. The circumstances surrounding her demise have left numerous questions unanswered, defying the exhaustive efforts of law enforcement and private detectives. The mystery of Barbara Weaver’s murder endures, a puzzle that continues to baffle those seeking resolution.

At the time of the incident, Eli was away on a fishing expedition with a group of friends. He informed authorities that he had last seen his wife around 3 a.m. on that fateful day, and his friends corroborated his statement. However, as the investigation into the Weavers’ relationship unfolded, troubling revelations emerged. Barbara’s sibling revealed to the police that Eli had previously been unfaithful, leaving the marriage on at least two occasions to cohabit with non-Amish women before returning to the community with the approval of the elders.

Upon closer examination, it was uncovered that Eli had engaged in online communication with multiple women, betraying Barbara by maintaining simultaneous relationships. These conversations often unveiled his discontent with their marriage, with some women reporting that he had even expressed a desire to have his wife killed. Furthermore, it came to light through acquaintances of Barbara that Eli had been engaged in a long-term extramarital relationship with another woman, Barbara Raber, spanning approximately six years, despite his marital commitment to Barbara.

Barbara Raber, formerly a member of the Amish community and a mother of three within her own marriage, was commonly known as the “taxi lady” in her community. She later confessed to having an affair with Eli, a fellow community member. She claimed that their relationship had terminated six months before the tragic incident. However, the discovery of Eli’s concealed cellphone revealed a different narrative. Messages exchanged between the two indicated an ongoing relationship, with the phone registered under Barbara Raber’s name.

Eli and Raber had openly discussed the possibility of eliminating Barbara from their lives, considering methods such as poisoning, medication, or even detonating their home while their children were present. Eli even suggested that their innocent children would ascend to heaven. Before his departure, Eli provided specific instructions to Barbara regarding parking her car and the unlocked garage door. Additionally, Raber’s internet search history revealed inquiries into poisons, gases, and methods for eliminating an individual.