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Ronald Rayher, a 71-year-old chiropractor from Milton, was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for the death of Thomas "TJ" Krider, an Elvis tribute artist. On Wednesday (October 29), Saratoga County Judge Lorraine C. Diamond sentenced Rayher to the maximum penalty for second-degree manslaughter and evidence tampering.
In April 2024, Rayher used homemade chloroform during consensual sexual roleplay with Krider, leading to Krider's death. Rayher did not report the death until four days later, during which he disposed of Krider's belongings. Prosecutors argued that Rayher's actions were a "profound abuse of trust and medical scientific knowledge," and that he "chose himself over the life of an individual," according to Times Union.
Krider, known for his work as an Elvis impersonator and as a guide at the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, was described by his wife, Heidi Greene, as "a very kind gentle soul." During the sentencing, she expressed her grief and anger, saying, "My soulmate, the love of my life is dead... I hope you rot in prison," Yahoo News reported.
Rayher plans to appeal the conviction, maintaining that the roleplay was consensual and that Krider administered the fatal dose himself. However, the jury found Rayher guilty after less than three hours of deliberation. The judge emphasized that Krider's death was "tragic and wholly preventable," according to WNYT.