Watch CBS News

Everett Man Arrested In Murder-For-Hire Plot

EVERETT (CBS) - An Everett man is accused of trying to hire himself out as a hit man, but investigators say he made his pitch to an undercover FBI agent.

Federal authorities raided two apartments within a few miles Friday morning. FBI agents were in and out of a triple decker on Lexington Street in Everett, taking pictures and evidence, at the home of convicted criminal Joseph Burke.

The 51-year-old, whose crimes date back to the late 80s, is charged federally with murder for hire - accused of trying to be a hitman.

In recorded conversations with an undercover agent back in March, Burke said he needed money, and allegedly asked the agent if he knew of anyone needing a hitman and in court paperwork, his exact intentions are clarified.

Burke allegedly said, "…just killing them. So you might know somebody who wants to get rid of a husband... that I'll do all day long. For a price, all day long. Not a problem."

The undercover agent identified a target in Manhattan, and over the course of several months, federal authorities allege Burke conspired to kill the man in his New York office. The would-be crime was to take place in a week, but Burke wanted to be in place this weekend and allegedly had the weapons and disguises in place. The purported payout was close to $100K.

If Burke is convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.