A woman from Coal Valley, Illinois, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for her involvement in a murder-for-hire scheme. Autumn Jeanine Carianna Markley, aged 30, attempted to arrange the murder of a relative by wiring money through Western Union. This was revealed in public court documents.
In late 2023, Markley communicated with a confidential source located in the Southern District of Iowa from her residence in Colorado. During these communications, she expressed her willingness to pay for the murder and provided details including the target's name and address along with a downpayment.
Following her imprisonment, Markley will undergo three years of supervised release as there is no parole available within the federal system.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation into this case.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites law enforcement at all levels with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program aims to enhance neighborhood safety by fostering trust and legitimacy within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes. For further information on PSN, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
