The killing of a person carried out by someone hired and paid to do so by another party, typically making both the party who commissioned the killing and the party who carried it out liable for murder, alongside a separate solicitation or conspiracy charge. It is treated in many jurisdictions as an aggravating factor that can elevate a killing to a more serious degree of murder or trigger a harsher sentencing range, on the reasoning that a killing carried out for payment reflects premeditation and often involves organized criminal networks that supply contract killers for hire. Law enforcement agencies have used undercover sting operations posing as hitmen to intercept solicitations before an actual killing takes place.
Facts
Classification CodeIn the United States, prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. 1958, use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder for hire 1 Typical PenaltyUnder 18 U.S.C. 1958, the basic offense is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both, with longer terms including up to death or life imprisonment if injury or death results 1 Elements of OffenseTraveling in or using a facility of interstate or foreign commerce with intent that a murder be committed as consideration for payment or a promise of payment of anything of pecuniary value 1 Notable ExampleRichard Kuklinski, a professional contract killer convicted of murders committed for profit between 1980 and 1984, received four consecutive life sentences 2 Sources
1. 18 U.S.C. 1958, Use of interstate commerce facilities in commission of murder for hire (Cornell LII)
18 U.S.C. section 1958(a) (classification)
with intent that a murder be committed in violation of the laws of any State or the United States as consideration for the receipt of, or as consideration for a promise or agreement to pay, anything of pecuniary value.
18 U.S.C. section 1958(a) (elements)
with intent that a murder be committed in violation of the laws of any State or the United States as consideration for the receipt of, or as consideration for a promise or agreement to pay, anything of pecuniary value.
18 U.S.C. section 1958(a) (penalty)
fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than ten years, or both
View the Source2. Richard Kuklinski (Wikipedia)
Criminal career sectionQuote, Criminal career section
He engaged in criminal activities for most of his adult life, which began when he distributed pirated pornography and eventually escalated to at least five murders committed between 1980 and 1984 for personal profit.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.