Maria Felix-Pichardo, Murder-For-Hire, Maryland 2015

Baltimore Woman Admits to Arranging a Murder-For-Hire

Baltimore, Maryland – Maria Felix-Pichardo, age 25, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to use of an interstate commerce facility in the commission of a murder-for-hire.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Baltimore Field Division (ATF).

According to her plea agreement, in May 2015 Felix-Pichardo contacted a confidential informant (CI) working for ATF and asked the CI to find someone who would kill the wife of her baby’s father. The CI said he could refer Felix-Pichardo to a professional killer, and subsequently introduced Felix-Pichardo to an undercover ATF agent (UC) posing as the purported “hitman.”

Between June and July 2015, Felix-Pichardo and the UC communicated via cellphone and text message about the planned murder and met in-person several times at locations in Baltimore City. During these meetings, Felix-Pichardo promised to pay the UC $2,000 to murder the intended victim, and provided the victim’s address and license plate number. Felix-Pichardo also provided a picture of the victim and suggested how the murder should be committed. Each of these meetings was arranged by cellphone and text messaging. Felix-Pichardo also used her cellphone to research the victim on social media sites and to provide the pictures of the victim to the UC.

On July 13, 2015, Felix-Pichardo met the UC, provided $700 to commit the murder and promised to provide an additional $1,300 once the murder was complete. Felix-Pichardo was then arrested and subsequently interviewed. During that interview, Felix-Pichardo admitted to contracting the UC to kill the intended victim.

Felix-Pichardo faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for February 18, 2016.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended ATF and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Clinton J. Fuchs, who is prosecuting the case.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Maria Felix-Pichardo, age 25, of Baltimore

Criminal Charges: Use of an interstate commerce facility in the commission of a murder-for-hire

City and State: Baltimore, Maryland

Exact Date: July 13, 2015 (arrest date), February 18, 2016 (sentencing date)

Sentence or Outcome: Faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison

Dollar Amounts: $2,000 (promised payment to murder the intended victim), $700 (provided to commit the murder), $1,300 (promised additional payment once the murder was complete)

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