Murder of Matt Hendershot by Rita Hendershot examined on American Monster

American Monster is examining the murder of Matt Hendershot, who was shot dead by his estranged wife, Rita Hendershot, at his home in Kearneysville, West Virginia.

In May 2021, 33-year-old Matt was shot at close range in the face. His wife, Rita Hendershot, claimed that the couple had been moving firearms in their home when a 1911 pistol she was holding accidentally discharged a bullet, killing her husband.

The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department initially charged Hendershot with wanton endangerment and negligence while handling a firearm; however, they soon upgraded the charges to first-degree murder.

The cops learned that the pair had been having severe marriage difficulties. Hendershot claimed that they had reconciled and were back together when the shooting occurred.

However, investigators recovered text messages, which clearly indicated they were not back together.

The cops became suspicious of Hendershot when, during interviews with detectives, she gave three different versions of how the so-called accident happened.

Cops said Rida Hendershot purposefully shot her husband Matt Hendershot

The police examined the offending firearm and discovered it had several safety features that needed to be engaged for the weapon to fire. The cops concluded that it was impossible to fire the gun accidentally.

The investigators also performed tests that suggested the trajectory of the bullet contradicted Hendershot’s story and pointed to a deliberate murder.

In February 2023, Hendershot was found guilty of second-degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Her trial lasted five days, and the jury took five hours to reach a verdict.

Rida Henderson sentenced to total of 40 years for killing Matt Hendershot

Hendershot was sentenced to 30 years for the murder and ten years for the firearms charge. The sentences were to be served consecutively; however, she will be eligible for parole after 12.5 years.

Referencing the prospect of early parole, Judge Laura V. Faircloth told the court, “The court finds that if there’s any injustice, it’s that one, but it’s all we can do.”

Judge Faircloth added, “Her argument would have been believable if the defendant had stuck to one story. The court found she gave at least three versions, down to where her hand was on the gun.”

The killer is currently incarcerated at the Lakin Correctional Center in West Columbia, WV. According to WV Dept. of Corrections records, she will have a parole hearing in December 2033 but her “projected release date” is not expected until June 2046.

American Monster airs Sundays at 9/8c on Investigation Discovery.