The Shayna Hubers murder case remains one of Kentucky’s most disturbing criminal cases, involving the brutal killing of attorney Ryan Poston in 2012. Shayna Hubers was twice convicted of murdering attorney Ryan Poston in Highland Heights, Kentucky, and is serving a life sentence with parole eligibility after 20 years. This comprehensive case overview explores the shocking details that captivated national attention.
Table of Contents
The Shayna Hubers Case Timeline: Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Crime Date | October 12, 2012 |
| Victim | Ryan Poston (Attorney, age 29) |
| Perpetrator | Shayna Hubers (age 21 at time of crime) |
| Location | Highland Heights, Kentucky |
| Weapon | Six gunshot wounds |
| First Conviction | 2015 |
| Retrial Conviction | August 2018 |
| Current Status | Life sentence, Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women |
| Parole Eligibility | 2032 (after 20 years) |
The Crime: What Happened on October 12, 2012
The case began on October 12, 2012, when Poston was shot six times in his condo. Police arrested Hubers that night. The young attorney was found dead in his Highland Heights apartment, and the circumstances surrounding his death immediately raised red flags for investigators.
Shayna Hubers shot and killed her boyfriend, Ryan Poston, claiming it was self-defense. But at the murder scene, there were few indications of a domestic disturbance. The lack of evidence supporting her self-defense claim became a crucial element in the prosecution’s case.
The Relationship: A Troubled Connection
Hubers met Poston on Facebook in 2011. She was just a 19-year-old college student, while he was a 28-year-old attorney. What began as an online connection quickly evolved into an on-again, off-again relationship that friends described as volatile and concerning.
Shayna Hubers alleged that Ryan Poston abused her — but friends of the couple said that she was “obsessed.” This conflicting narrative became central to the defense and prosecution strategies throughout both trials.
The Investigation: Bizarre Behavior That Shocked Detectives
Even seasoned investigators could never have imagined what would unfold in the hours after Shayna Hubers killed Ryan Poston. From the moment Lt. Fornash brought her into that interrogation room, Shayna’s behavior was bizarre. Her unusual demeanor during police questioning became a significant factor in the case.
The investigation revealed disturbing details about Hubers’ behavior immediately following the shooting, including her singing “Amazing Grace” to police officers and making callous remarks about giving Poston “the nose job he wanted.”
Double Conviction: Justice Served Twice
Two separate juries convicted Shayna Hubers of murdering her ex-boyfriend, Ryan Poston, in 2012. Both her convictions came three years apart, the first in 2015 and the second following a re-trial in 2018. The retrial was necessary due to issues with jury selection in the original case.
Prosecutors argued that the motive for the murder was that Poston wanted to permanently end the couple’s relationship. Defense attorneys continued with their contention that the shooting was in self-defense and that Hubers was a victim of domestic abuse.
Current Status: Life Behind Bars
Shayna Hubers is currently serving her sentence at the Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women in Pewee Valley, Kentucky. The Kentucky Supreme Court denied her appeal, solidifying her conviction and ensuring she will remain incarcerated.
Shayna was sentenced to life in prison, with her first chance at parole due in 2032. This means she must serve a minimum of 20 years before becoming eligible for parole consideration.
Media Coverage and Cultural Impact
The Shayna Hubers case has been featured in numerous true crime documentaries and television programs, highlighting the complex dynamics of toxic relationships and domestic violence claims. For more coverage of high-profile criminal cases, visit our crime and justice section and legal news updates.
The case continues to generate discussion about relationship violence, mental health, and the justice system’s handling of self-defense claims. Legal experts often reference this case when discussing the challenges of prosecuting domestic violence situations where victim and perpetrator roles are disputed.
For official court documents and legal proceedings, the Kentucky Court of Justice maintains records of the case and appeals process.
Stay informed about major criminal cases and legal developments by following our true crime coverage and judicial system updates for comprehensive analysis and breaking news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the motive behind Ryan Poston’s murder?
A: Prosecutors successfully argued that Shayna Hubers killed Ryan Poston because he wanted to permanently end their relationship. Despite her claims of self-defense and domestic abuse, evidence showed the murder was motivated by her inability to accept the breakup and her obsessive behavior toward Poston.
Q: When will Shayna Hubers be eligible for parole?
A: Shayna Hubers will first be eligible for parole in 2032, after serving 20 years of her life sentence. However, parole eligibility does not guarantee release, as the parole board will consider various factors including her behavior in prison and the nature of her crime before making any decision.
