American beauty queen charged in ex-NFL husband’s murder plot granted release from Bahamas prison: report

Lindsay Shiver, a 38-year-old Georgia mom and former beauty pageant winner, has found herself at the center of a dramatic and contentious legal battle in the Bahamas. Accused of plotting to hire a hitman to kill her estranged husband, former NFL player Robert Shiver, Lindsay’s case has garnered significant attention due to its shocking nature and the tangled web of relationships involved. After spending time in a Bahamian prison, Lindsay is now expected to be released on bail, posting $100,000 to secure her freedom. However, this comes with strict conditions, including a gag order that prohibits her and her alleged lover, 30-year-old Terrance Bethel, from speaking publicly about the case.

The legal developments in Lindsay’s case are asComplex as the circumstances that led to her arrest. In July 2023, Lindsay, along with Bethel and an alleged hitman, Faron Newbold Jr., were arrested in the Bahamas after being accused of conspiring to murder Robert Shiver. All three pleaded not guilty to the charges. Initially, Lindsay was granted bail in December 2023, allowing her to return to the United States under specific conditions. However, her decision to participate in a televised interview with Good Morning America last year sparked outrage from the presiding judge, Cheryl Grant-Thompson, who revoked Lindsay’s bail. The judge viewed the interview as a “blatant disregard for the court’s leniency and indulgence” andremoved Lindsay from the public eye, also citing concerns for her safety after a previous boyfriend allegedly tried to harm her in Alabama.

At the heart of this case is the deeply troubled marriage between Lindsay and Robert Shiver, which has been marked by accusations of infidelity, domestic violence, and emotional turmoil. The couple, who were married for 13 years, reached a breaking point after Robert accused Lindsay of having an affair, while Lindsay countered with allegations of “physical and mental cruel treatment.” Their contentious divorce filings reveal a marriage filled with tension, and both parties are now embroiled in a custody battle over their three children. They are also disputing ownership of their $2.5 million home in Georgia. The situation escalated dramatically on July 16, 2023, when Lindsay called 911 on Robert after he refused to let her board their private jet to meet Bethel in the Bahamas. That same day, prosecutors allege that Lindsay sent a chilling message via WhatsApp: “Kill him.”

Lindsay’s attorneys have argued that she did not violate the conditions of her bail, but Judge Grant-Thompson disagreed, stating that Lindsay had failed to seek court permission before engaging in activities outside the designated restrictions. The judge also emphasized the gravity of the charges, calling Lindsay’s actions a “spit in the face of justice.” In a recent filing, Grant-Thompson stressed the seriousness of the allegations, noting that Lindsay’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for the legal process. Despite this, the judge has now reversed her decision, allowing Lindsay to be released on bail once again, provided she and Bethel adhere to the gag order.

The case has also shed light on the broader implications of domestic violence and custody disputes, which often involve complex emotional dynamics and high-stakes legal battles. Robert Shiver, who has expressed gratitude for escaping the alleged murder plot, has painted Lindsay as an unstable and dangerous individual, while Lindsay’s supporters argue that she is a devoted mother and victim of abuse. The bodycam footage from the 2023 incident, in which Lindsay called 911 on Robert, further complicates the narrative, as it shows Lindsay’s mother siding with Robert’s family during the altercation.

As Lindsay prepares to return to the United States, her release on bail marks a significant turning point in the case. However, the legal battle is far from over. Lindsay, Bethel, and Newbold face serious charges, and the outcome of the trial could have life-altering consequences for all parties involved. Meanwhile, the custody dispute between Lindsay and Robert continues to unfold, leaving their three children caught in the middle of a deeply fractured family. The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly relationships can deteriorate and how the pursuit of justice can sometimes lead to unexpected and tragic consequences.