In 2015, Samantha Wohlford reported a home invasion in which her husband, Ernest Ibarra Jr., was abducted and later found murdered. Investigations revealed she had orchestrated the crime with three men, motivated by a desire to remove him from her life.
Early Life
Samantha Nicole Wohlford was born on 28 August 1989, in Texas. She was the oldest of three siblings and was often remembered as an energetic child who dreamed of becoming a famous actress. Her family described her as having a strong personality and enjoying being the center of attention.
During her teenage years, she entered a relationship with a classmate. By the age of 19, she became a mother to twin boys, according to The Mirror.
The relationship ended shortly after, leaving Samantha to raise the twins by herself.
In 2008, Samantha met Ernest “Ernie” Lee Ibarra Jr. at a local tattoo shop. Born on 25 December 1985, in Mount Pleasant, Texas, Ernie was known for being quiet, intelligent and deeply interested in computers and reading.
Abigail Ibarra described him as “kind of a bookworm,” as reported by Oxygen.
His family often referred to him as a polite and reserved person. He had studied computer technology and worked at a baseball equipment manufacturing company where he used laser machines to design custom graphics on bats.
Samantha and Ernie’s bond strengthened quickly and he became a father figure to her twin sons. He even talked about legally adopting them. Over time, they had more children together including another pair of twins and a fifth child, the Tuko reports.
Life Behind the Screen
According to Unilad, Samantha created a YouTube channel under the name simplymanic6075, aiming to become a professional content creator. She uploaded videos discussing various aspects of her personal life but the channel struggled to gain popularity.
Family members described her as obsessed with social media. She frequently uploaded footage of her children and shared personal family moments, sometimes without their consent.
Ernie, on the other hand, valued privacy. He grew increasingly uncomfortable with Samantha’s online activities especially when she shared details about their arguments and their children.
Despite financial challenges, he worked two jobs to support the growing family.
Their relationship became strained leading to periods of separation.
“She wanted to be internet famous … My brother didn’t like that kind of thing,” said Abigail Ibarra, as quoted by Oxygen.
At one point, Samantha accused Ernie of physical abuse. Following this report, Ernie was arrested and a restraining order was placed against him.
Though the charge was relatively minor, it had a damaging effect on his character.
Despite this, the couple reconciled, got married in 2014 and continued to live together.
The Home Invasion Report
On 20 February 2015, law enforcement in Titus County responded to a 911 call regarding a home invasion.
The call was made by Samantha’s aunt, Ginger Kesterson, who claimed Samantha had been tied up in her home and that her husband Ernie was missing, according to court documents.
Ginger Kesterson: “I have a home invasion. My niece is tied up. She is tied up and gagged.”
When questioned by officers, Samantha said that three masked intruders had broken into her home, restrained her and abducted Ernie. She alleged that, despite being bound, she had managed to dial her mother using her nose.
Her mother then contacted Samantha’s aunt, who lived nearby to check on her.
Samantha’s account raised suspicions. She said the attackers wore black clothing and ski masks and that they assaulted Ernie before dragging him out of the house. Investigators noticed the lack of signs of struggle or blood which did not align with her version of events.
Deputy Chris Durant: I’m not really seeing a whole lot of blood though for somebody that was pistol whipped.”
Investigation
As police questioned her, Samantha changed her story. She introduced Johnathan Sanford, claiming she had met him while visiting a friend at the hospital. She said Johnathan expressed anger over how Ernie treated her. However, she claimed she did not expect him to act on those feelings.
Samantha Wohlford: “There’s this guy I met yesterday. His name’s Johnny Reb …He could have done it” per Oxygen.
Police tracked Johnathan, who confessed to involvement in the crime and told investigators that Samantha had orchestrated the entire plan. He stated that she provided her vehicle and left the front door unlocked for them on the night of the incident.
Initially, the group’s plan was to frame Ernie by planting illegal drugs on him and then notifying the police. However, The Mirror reported that they later chose to kill him, believing it would be easier to do.
Kidnapping and Murder
Johnathan, along with his brother Jose Antonio Ponse and Octavious Rhymes, entered Samantha’s home. They subdued Ernie and assaulted him. The group then transported him to a remote wooded area in Camp County, Texas.
In the early hours of the morning, they forced Ernie onto his knees. Antonio Ponse then shot Ernie in the back of the head, ending his life.
Prosecutor David Colley: “They had hit him in the head multiple times with the pistol, they had hit him across the face with it, they had punched him, but the death came from being shot in the back of the head”, per Oxygen.
Ernie’s body was found unclothed near a stream. Investigators recovered text messages from Samantha during the time of the crime. She had texted Octavius with instructions such as “Kill [Ibarra’s] phone. Shut that down.” and later “Ditch phone. Move,” indicating active communication with the perpetrators throughout the event, according to court documents.
Arrests and Charges
Following the confessions and discovery of evidence, all three men were arrested. Jonathan and Antonio pleaded guilty to aggravated kidnapping and murder. Each received a 50-year sentence.
Octavius stood trial separately and was sentenced to 23 years for kidnapping and 75 years for murder, served consecutively, the KLTV reports.
Samantha was also arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping. During her trial, she claimed memory loss due to a sleeping aid prescription. However, the jury found her guilty.
In a second trial, she was convicted of murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison, to be served after her initial 50-year sentence.
