Appeal in snake breeder’s murder stalls after attorney misses hearing

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

An appeal hearing in the murder of a snake breeder stalled Monday in Audrain County after an attorney failed to appear.

Michael Humphrey filed the motion seeking to vacate or set aside his sentence in the killing of Ben Renick in Montgomery County, claiming his constitutional rights were violated by ineffective legal representation.

The judge noted that the defense attorney sent an email prior to the 9 a.m. hearing stating she was sick. However, no affidavit validating her absence had been filed, nor had any subpoenas been served before the hearing. When asked, Humphrey offered no comment regarding his attorney’s absence.

Prosecutors argued the post-conviction motion should be dismissed due to the absence. The judge took the state's request under advisement.

A jury brought in from Cape Girardeau County in southeast Missouri convicted Humphrey in October 2021 of first-degree murder and armed criminal action for killing Renick at his farm in 2017. In exchange for his testimony against Renick's wife, Lynlee Renick, prosecutors reduced Humphrey's charge to second-degree murder with a recommendation of life with parole.

Humphrey previously attempted a direct appeal of his sentence following his trial, but the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District dismissed the appeal in August 2023.

The appellate court ruled that Humphrey had voluntarily waived his right to a direct appeal when he agreed to the state's post-conviction deal. Under that agreement, prosecutors reduced his original first-degree murder charge to second-degree murder and recommended a life sentence with parole in exchange for his testimony against Lynlee Renick.

Humphrey and Lynlee Renick were convicted of killing Ben Renick on his New Florence property shortly after the two had started their own relationship.