Oxygen is re-airing the Snapped investigation into the murder of Whitney Hostler, who was killed by Valerie Rider and her husband, Rodney Rider, at their home near St. Paris, Ohio.
In September 2020, 25-year-old Whitney was living in the home of Valerie and Rodney Rider. She had a two-year-old child with the Riders’ son, Randy Rider. However, Randy had started a relationship with another woman and was spending a lot of time elsewhere.
On September 30, Randy returned to the house and argued with Whitney, who was angry about the other relationship and had decided to leave with their child. Rodney told his son, Randy, that he should leave the house because he didn’t want him there.
Randy went to a friend’s house that night, and the next day, he requested a welfare check for Whitney. A short time later, her family and friends reported her missing, having failed to hear from her.
The cops found Whitney’s remains in a wooded ravine only a couple of miles drive from her home. A short time later, they arrested Valerie and Rodney Rider.
Rodney testified against his wife, claiming that he had awoken from a nap to find Valerie dragging a duffle bag, with Whitney inside, across the floor of their house. Valerie told her husband that she’d had an argument with Whitney, and she was now dead.
The pair put the duffle bag in their truck and drove around for hours, looking for somewhere to dump the body.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelRodney Rider testified against Valerie Rider over Whitney Hostler killing
When the Riders returned home from dumping the body, they were met by a sheriff’s deputy inquiring about the location of Whitney. The deputy asked them about the bags and duct tape in the back of their truck. The tape appeared to have human hair on it.
During this exchange, the deputy noted that Valerie remained calm, but her husband seemed very nervous. At one point, Rodney sat on the porch shaking, rocking, and hyperventilating.
Eventually, Rodney Rider agreed to testify in court against Valerie. Two of the couple’s children also testified against their mother, Valerie.
Valerie and Rodney Rider sent to prison for Whitney Hostler murder
Eventually, Valerie Rider was found guilty of murder, felonious assault, gross abuse of a corpse, and possessing criminal tools. She was sentenced to 21 years to life in prison and fined $2,500.
Rodney Rider was sentenced to 36 months in prison and fined $750 for his role in attempting to cover up the murder.
Their son, Randy Rider, was never charged in connection with the murder.
This episode of Snapped re-airs Tuesday at 6/5c on Oxygen.