The Chilling Mu-rder of Ryan Poston

Ryan Poston was a 29-year-old successful criminal defense attorney living in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Known for his charisma, good looks, and sharp legal mind, Ryan had a bright future ahead of him. In October 2012, he had recently reconnected with Miss Ohio, Audrey Bolte, and the two were planning a date. On the evening of October 12, 2012, Ryan was getting ready for that date when his on-again, off-again girlfriend, 21-year-old Shayna Hubers, showed up at his apartment unannounced.

What happened next would become one of the most disturbing and widely discussed murder cases in Kentucky history.

A Brutal Shooting and Shocking Behavior

During a heated argument, Shayna Hubers grabbed Ryan’s handgun and shot him six times — including two shots to the head. Ryan collapsed and died on the floor of his living room. Instead of calling for help, Shayna reportedly danced, sang, and posed next to his body while waiting for police to arrive. When officers responded to her 911 call, they found her calm and oddly composed, even making bizarre statements about the killing.

Shayna claimed self-defense, alleging that Ryan had been physically abusive and was trying to throw her out of the apartment. However, prosecutors painted a very different picture — one of obsession, jealousy, and cold-blooded murder.

The Trials and Conviction

Shayna Hubers’ first trial in 2015 ended in a mistrial after the jury deadlocked. The case went to retrial in 2016. During the second trial, the jury was shown disturbing evidence, including police bodycam footage of Shayna’s erratic behavior at the crime scene and her interrogation. After deliberating, the jury found her guilty of murder.

In 2018, Shayna Hubers was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years. She is currently incarcerated at the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women.

A Case That Still Haunts

Ryan Poston’s family and friends described him as a kind, generous man who loved life and was excited about his future. His mother, Tracey Poston, has spoken publicly about the pain of losing her son in such a violent and senseless way.

The case gained massive national attention due to Shayna’s shocking post-murder behavior — dancing and celebrating while her boyfriend lay dead on the floor. It became known in true crime circles as “The Dance of Death.”

Ryan Poston was only 29 years old when his life was taken. He left behind a grieving family, friends, and a community that still remembers him fondly. His story serves as a tragic reminder of how quickly a toxic relationship can turn deadly.

Ryan Poston
1983 – 2012

Gone too soon, but never forgotten.