Lindsay Shiver's lawyer disputes 'murder-for-hire' label in Bahamas conspiracy case

Attorney Craig Shirley says no financial exchange was alleged in the plot to kill Robert Shiver. The case, now three years old, has yet to go to trial.

Attorney: 'Murder-for-hire' framing of Bahamas murder plot is inaccurate

The lawyer representing Lindsay Shiver — a former Dothan beauty queen accused of conspiring to kill her husband in the Bahamas — says American media outlets have fundamentally mischaracterised the criminal charges against her, wtvy.com reports.

Craig Shirley, a Birmingham attorney who is also a relative of Shiver, told WTVY News4 that descriptions of the case as a "murder-for-hire" plot are without basis. Shiver, a Houston Academy graduate and former Miss National Peanut Festival contestant, is accused of conspiring with her then-boyfriend, Terrance Bethel, and a third man, Farron Newbold Jr., to kill her husband, southwest Georgia businessman Robert Shiver, in the summer of 2023.

"I have never understood where that claim originated from," Shirley said. "I want it to be abundantly clear that there is no allegation that this was a 'murder-for-hire' plot. Literally, the prosecutors are not even making such an allegation because there is no evidence to support it."

Shirley said prosecutors have never alleged that any financial discussions or transactions took place between the alleged co-conspirators.

"In fact, there is no allegation or accusation from the prosecution that any 'hiring' discussions ever occurred, or that 'money' was ever once discussed, at all, by either of the parties," he said.

A review of media coverage confirms the "murder-for-hire" characterisation was widely disseminated by national outlets, including Fox News, Court TV, and the New York Times, as well as local stations including WTVY itself.

Despite the dispute over terminology, Shiver still faces serious legal exposure. According to Bahamian investigators, the alleged conspiracy came to light after police discovered a WhatsApp group message sent by Lindsay Shiver to Bethel and Newbold containing the words "kill him." All three suspects were arrested on July 21, 2023. Robert Shiver was not harmed.

The arrests followed a breakdown in the couple's marriage. Thomas County court records show Robert Shiver filed for divorce on April 5, 2023; Lindsay Shiver submitted her own petition the following day.

Three years on from the high-profile arrests, the case has still not proceeded to trial. Shiver's defence team continues to assert her complete innocence.

"There is no credible case against Lindsay," Shirley said.

Source: Google News BS — Crime