Authorities have arrested a teenager who was reportedly attempting to hire a hitman to take the life of a 7-year-old child in Storm Lake, Iowa.
The Storm Lake Police Department received a distressing report around midnight on Friday, June 2. The report indicated that an individual had visited a satirical website named “rentahitman.com” with the intention of procuring a hitman to carry out the murder of a child residing in Storm Lake. The webmaster of rentahitman.com informed the police department about this incident, stating that the individual seeking the hitman had divulged specific details about the child, including their name and whereabouts.
In response to the report, the police launched an immediate investigation. By Friday morning, they had identified a potential suspect, a 17-year-old girl from Storm Lake. During the same morning, an undercover officer, posing as a hitman, established contact with the suspect.
According to the police, the undercover officer verified the suspect’s desire to have the 7-year-old child killed. Additionally, the teenager purportedly confirmed the child’s name, home address, and the anticipated time when the child would be present at the residence. Subsequently, at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Friday, the police took the teenager into custody.
During Friday afternoon, the police conducted interviews with the suspect and examined her cell phone. Based on the evidence gathered throughout the investigation, the authorities believe that there was a credible threat against the child.
Later that day, at around 8 p.m., the police charged the teenager with one count of solicitation to commit murder, a charge that carries a possible sentence of 10 years. The 17-year-old was then transferred to the Cherokee Youth Emergency Services Center. The identity of the suspect is being withheld by law enforcement at this time.
The police have emphasized that the child and their family were unharmed and unaware of the potential danger they faced.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and authorities continue to delve into the details surrounding this alarming case.