I’m Afraid for My Life

He had been a firefighter for 19 years, working his way to captain before he retired.

It’s unknown what sent him on the path that led to prison. One source reported he thought his wife was planning to leave him, move away and take their children with her. Another reported that he hadn’t been the same since he survived a massive structure fire that killed nine firefighters—for sure a life-changing event.

He started down a slippery slope when he asked someone if they knew a person who would kill his wife. He said he’d pay for the deed from the life insurance he’d collect after her death. The person he asked did the right thing and went to the authorities.

A meeting took place between the retired firefighter, the middleman, and the hired hitman, who was an undercover law enforcement officer. The retired firefighter gave the hitman a photo of his wife, described her vehicle, where she’d be, and how much he’d pay for services rendered—$8,000.

The authorities arrested the husband. At his bond hearing, the judge denied him bail. At the hearing, his wife pleaded with the judge not to let him out, saying,

“I’m afraid for my life.”

He remained in jail until his trial. Before the trial, he pleaded guilty to Use of Interstate Commerce Facilities in the Commission of Murder for Hire and Solicitation of Murder for Hire. The U.S. Federal judge sentenced the 42-year-old man to over 12 years in prison.

He has since been released from prison.

Source: USA FBI, ABC News, FireRescue1,

All data and information provided is for information and research purposes only and not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual. Criminal cases may have been appealed or verdicts overturned since I researched the case. All information is provided on an as-is basis.