Xin Guang Guo, a 48-year-old resident of Plymouth, North Carolina, pleaded guilty on April 6 before United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III to two counts of using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire plot. The announcement was made by United States Attorney David Metcalf.
Guo admitted to attempting to pay $30,000 for the murders of two individuals living in the Philadelphia area. This case highlights law enforcement's efforts to disrupt violent crimes that cross state lines and involve the use of communication technology.
According to court documents, authorities began investigating Guo after receiving information on September 30, 2025, from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that he was seeking a hitman. Investigators obtained text messages sent by Guo detailing his plan and providing information about his intended targets—his former business partner and the partner’s paramour.
Further monitored phone calls revealed that Guo agreed to pay $15,000 for each murder. He arranged an October 6 meeting in Philadelphia with someone he believed was a hitman but who was actually an undercover ATF officer. At this meeting, Guo handed over $2,500 as payment for a firearm and requested photographic proof of the murders before paying the remaining balance. After leaving the meeting site in his vehicle, Guo was arrested without incident by ATF agents.
Guo is scheduled for sentencing on July 15 and faces up to 20 years in prison if given the maximum penalty allowed by law. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda McCool following an investigation led by ATF agents.
The outcome demonstrates ongoing collaboration between federal agencies to prevent contract killings and safeguard public safety.
