Everett man arrested for plotting murder-for-hire
An Everett ex-con plotted to murder a man for cash, investigators say, gathering firearms, masks and the other tools needed to finish the kill.
In an affidavit filed in U.S. District court today, investigators tell of the seven-month investigation into Joseph Burke, who offered to kill the target — who was actually an undercover agent — on behalf of another man, who was also an agent working undercover. At stake was up to $100,000 that would be taken from the victim.
“You might know some rich people who want to get out of a marriage,’’ Burke allegedly told the undercover agent in a recording in March. Making a gun shape with his hand, he said, “I’ll do this all day long.’’
The agent working with Burke told him that the target was messing with his business, and Burke agreed to do the hit, according to the affidavit. The pair checked out the target’s supposed office in New York City and discussed how the agent would pay for the hit. Burke allegedly suggested borrowing money from the target, who would be dead when the loan came due.
“That’s how wise guys do,’’ Burke said in the recording. “When the wise guys get clipped … you ain’t gotta pay it back; he’s gone.’’
Burke’s girlfriend brought guns down to New York from Boston, the affidavit said, and Burke planned to use a silencer. At Burke’s request, the agent got two masks that looked like the faces of black men to wear during the hit.
The murder would have taken place next weekend, Oct. 17. Burke planned to break into the target’s office and “lie in wait’’ for him, according to the affidavit.
“I’m gonna say, ‘Listen, this is for Mike.’ Boop! And the back of his head will be all over the f—ing place.’’’
The U.S. Attorney’s office said Burke was arrested and will appear in federal court Friday afternoon.
Read the affidavit:
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