Leif Hayman Sentenced to 10 Years for Murder-for-Hire Plot, Las Cruces NM, 2022

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Table of Contents

Defendant Hired Hitman to Kill Girlfriend’s Mother for $200

A Las Cruces man has been sentenced to the statutory maximum of 10 years in federal prison for trying to hire an undercover ATF agent to murder his girlfriend’s mother for $200. Leif Hayman, 29, was found guilty of attempted murder-for-hire and is currently serving his sentence.

According to court records, between April 10, 2022, and May 11, 2022, Hayman repeatedly solicited a hitman to murder his girlfriend’s mother through the website ‘rentahitman.com.’ He submitted three service requests on the website, providing his own identifying information as well as details about the intended victim, including her physical address and photographs.

Hayman’s requests were forwarded to local police, but without a timely response, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives became involved. On May 5, an undercover ATF agent contacted Hayman, and during a 16-minute recorded conversation, Hayman expressed his desire for the victim’s death.

Hayman agreed to pay approximately $200 for the murder and even suggested alternative methods, including using knives or a rock to kill the victim. However, after learning that he would have to pay for a gun, Hayman explored other options.

On May 11, the undercover agent went to Hayman’s residence, ostensibly to carry out the plan. A scuffle ensued between Hayman and his caretaker, causing the agent to abort the operation.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.

Hayman will be subject to three years of supervised release upon his release from prison.

This case highlights the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to prevent and investigate violent crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives worked closely with local authorities to bring this case to justice, and we appreciate their dedication to keeping our communities safe.