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BOSTON – A Malden man was indicted on a murder-for-hire charge after attempting to hire a contract killer to murder his wife.
Massimo Marenghi, 54, of Malden, Massachusetts, was indicted on one count of murder-for-hire for allegedly attempting to hire a contract killer to murder his wife.
Marenghi was charged by criminal complaint on January 20, 2021, and arrested the same day. After a detention hearing on February 10, 2021, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal ordered Marenghi detained pending trial.
According to charging documents, an individual reported to law enforcement that Marenghi had complained about his wife seeking a restraining order against him. Marenghi allegedly asked the individual for assistance in killing his wife. At the direction of federal agents, the individual introduced Marenghi to an undercover agent who posed as a contract killer.
On January 20, 2021, Marenghi met with the undercover agent and allegedly sought help to ‘eliminate’ his problem. Marenghi provided the undercover agent with a photograph of his wife’s residence and explained how to evade detection by cameras while approaching the residence.
It is alleged that on January 29, 2021, Marenghi again met with the undercover agent and discussed moving forward with the killing of his wife. Marenghi provided $1,500 cash as a deposit for the murder and explained that the sooner the ‘demolition job’ takes place, the sooner he will be able to pay the balance owed. He also allegedly provided the undercover agent with a photograph of his wife, the hours of operation of her place of business and a schedule indicating the he would have custody of his children, which he said would be the ‘best time for the construction work to start.’
Marenghi faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit. The Malden Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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