ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Ex-Auburn cheerleader Lindsay Shiver, who is accused of conspiring to murder her football star husband, had reportedly been embroiled in a bitter custody battle with him despite her Instagram portraying their family life as picture-perfect. Shiver, 36, was arrested in The Bahamas after being accused of conspiring to murder her estranged husband, Robert, 38, along with her Bahamian lover, Terrance Bethel, 28, and alleged hitman Farron Newbold, 29.
The former beauty pageant contestant allegedly plotted the murder after being embroiled in a contentious custody battle with Robert over their three young children and the future of their multi-million dollar estate, according to court records, per Fox News Digital. In the divorce petition, Robert asked for exclusive possession of his $2.5M property, primary physical custody of their children. He argued that his wife was not entitled to alimony. However, despite their disputes, the couple appeared to have the perfect marriage on social media, where they posted family pictures on opulent vacations to the Bahamas, as well as on yachts and private planes.
Lindsay Shiver’s perfect social media world
On Instagram, Shiver’s life seemed perfect. She often shared photos of sweet moments with her three sons and "loving" husband, whom she first met at a fitness class at Auburn University in August 2007. Robert played for Auburn University between 2006 and 2008 as a long snapper. In 2020, she shared a photo of the family on their 10th wedding anniversary. "The key to a perfect marriage is having two imperfect people, who refuse to give up on each other," she wrote in the post caption, adding, "So thankful for that fitness class 13 years ago that brought us together and all of the love, laughter, and life we have created ever since! I love you, babe."
Why did Robert Shiver file for divorce?
The couple's 13-year marriage took a turn when Robert allegedly caught Shiver having an affair and filed for divorce in April on grounds of "adulterous conduct," according to court records. Robert demanded full ownership of their Georgia home as well as custody of their three children as part of the divorce settlement. The divorce papers also mentioned a private plane, which Shiver claimed she was barred from using. According to records, Shiver responded to the initial filings by claiming that her extramarital affair occurred when they were separated and was "legally condoned by her husband." She also desired sole possession of their home and complete custody of the children.
"Wife feels unsafe in the marital home and has installed locks on the interior doors of the home for protection. Husband has abused the wife in the home in the children's presence on multiple occasions, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally," her attorney wrote and requested a restraining order against Robert.
Robert is the son of Allen Shiver, who led Flowers Foods for more than 40 years as CEO before exiting the $5B business in 2019. After playing football at Auburn and briefly for the Atlanta Falcons, Robert also pursued a business career. He presently holds the position of executive vice-president for Senior Life Insurance Company. Just before her arrest on July 18, Shiver was scheduled to be deposed in a divorce hearing. The divorce hearing has been pushed back to October 31.
Who is Farron Newbold?
Newbold, an alleged hitman, was allegedly hired by Shiver and Bethel to murder Robert. He was arrested with the pair in Guana earlier this week and was flown to the capital of Nassau. Earlier, it was revealed that cops found out about the murder plot following reports of a burglary at Grabber's Bar and Grill. They came across WhatsApp messages on the phone of the suspect which detailed the plan. "On July 16, 2023, at Abaco, while being together did, with a common purpose agree to commit an offense, namely the murder of Richard Shiver," a police report said, as per Daily Mail.
