Three sisters involved in a murder-for-hire conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison. Sandra Grimes was sentenced to 70 months after admitting to plotting the murder of her son-in-law during a custody battle. Her sisters, Judy Owen and Mitzy Smith, were also sentenced for their roles in assisting Grimes with the plan. The plot was uncovered when the hired hitwoman reported the scheme to the FBI.
The scheme began in February 2024 when the sisters approached Rebecca Murphy to carry out the murder. The affidavit states that Owen initially helped Murphy with a bill for her sick dog and then pressured her to kill Grimes’ son-in-law. The women then traveled to Louisiana to observe the target’s home, eventually revealing failed attempts to hire a hitman. Murphy was instructed to administer a fatal dose of heroin to make the murder appear accidental.
As the plot progressed, the women provided funds for the heroin purchase, and Murphy was given an unregistered gun. However, Murphy eventually backed out, leading to a rift in the relationship between her and the sisters. Murphy informed the FBI of the plan, resulting in charges against the three sisters, Murphy, and Murphy’s girlfriend.
Grimes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and transfer of a firearm, while Owen and Smith faced trial and were convicted in January. Owen received a 120-month sentence, while Smith was sentenced to time served.
Murphy and her girlfriend Jessica Montgomery were both sentenced to five years in prison earlier this year. Montgomery was sentenced for buying ammunition for a known felon, while Murphy was sentenced for her involvement in the scheme. You can find the original article on People’s website.
