In a shocking turn of events, a 64-year-old man from Illinois has been arrested and is now facing criminal charges for planning the murder of his former business partner in Florida. The suspect, identified as Ben Patrick Mullavey, allegedly offered a hitman up to $10,000 to carry out the heinous act using a crossbow and arrow.
According to authorities, Mullavey claimed that his former business partner owed him a significant amount of money, around $200,000, and legal proceedings to recover the debt were not going in his favor. Frustrated and desperate, Mullavey resorted to hiring a hitman to solve his problems.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri revealed that Mullavey met with the hired individual in Sikeston, Missouri, to discuss the murder plan. During the meeting, Mullavey provided the hitman with detailed information about his former partner, including their name and description. He also provided instructions on how he wanted the murder to be carried out.
In a disturbing twist, Mullavey not only supplied the hitman with $1,000 as a prepayment, but also gave him directions to a restaurant next to the victim’s wine bar and a Florida license plate to help him blend in. The choice of weapon, a crossbow and arrow, adds a chilling element to the planned crime.
The Illinois man appeared in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau on Tuesday to face a criminal complaint. If convicted, Mullavey could be sentenced to up to ten years in federal prison, face a $250,000 fine, or even both.
This shocking case serves as a reminder of the dark depths some individuals are willing to go to seek revenge or resolve their personal disputes. The use of unconventional weapons and the calculated planning involved in this murder-for-hire plot only adds to the chilling nature of the crime.
It is essential for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in uncovering such sinister plots and for the justice system to ensure that those responsible face the appropriate consequences for their actions. The safety and well-being of individuals must be protected, and this case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in society.
As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the motivations and circumstances surrounding this disturbing murder-for-hire plot.
