The quiet suburbs of Ohio recently became the backdrop of a chilling murder plot that sent shockwaves through the community. This is the story of Amanda Hovanek, a seemingly ordinary woman who orchestrated the demise of her ex-husband, Timothy Hoven, in a custody battle that turned deadly.
A Custody Battle Turns Fatal
The seeds of this tragedy were sown in the wreckage of Amanda and Timothy’s marriage. Their divorce proceedings, marked by a bitter fight for custody of their three children, set the stage for a horrific crime. Timothy, a dedicated researcher for the US State Department, had moved to Virginia while Amanda remained in Ohio with their children.
A Sinister Plan Unfolds
In April 2022, Timothy returned to Ohio for a court hearing regarding visitation rights. The court granted him custody of the children for the summer, a decision that would prove fatal. After spending time with his children at a local hotel, Timothy returned them to Amanda’s home, unaware that he was walking into a carefully laid trap.
The Deadly Role of Animal Tranquilizer
Unbeknownst to Timothy, Amanda had conspired with her South African boyfriend, Anthony Theodoro, to acquire a powerful animal tranquilizer known as Etorphine or M99. This drug, typically used to sedate large animals like elephants, is known for its potency, being thousands of times stronger than morphine. Theodoro, claiming to have obtained the drug from a South African veterinarian, shipped it to Amanda.
A Mother’s Complicity
Adding another layer of horror to this story is the involvement of Amanda’s own mother, Anita Green, who was living with her at the time. Green, aware of her daughter’s murderous intentions, played a chilling role in the events that unfolded.
Evidence: The Silent Witness
Timothy’s car, equipped with a dashboard camera, became an unexpected witness to the crime. The footage captured the chilling moment when, after dropping off his children, Amanda attacked him, injecting him with the fatal dose of M99. The camera also recorded Timothy’s desperate pleas for help: “What the heck are you doing? Did you just assault me? Get away from me! Get off of me!”
Justice Served?
Amanda Hovanek was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of Timothy Hoven and ordered to pay over $2 million in restitution for her children’s future care. Anita Green, pleading guilty to being an accessory to the crimes, received a 10-year prison sentence. Theodoro, a key player in this horrific scheme, also faces a lengthy prison sentence.
A Legacy of Loss
While justice has been served, the ripple effects of this tragedy continue to reverberate. Three young children are now left to grapple with the unimaginable loss of their father and the horrifying actions of their mother.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating consequences of custody disputes gone wrong and the lengths to which desperation and rage can drive individuals.
