St. Joseph Man Sentenced for Attempted Murder of Informant

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A chilling act of retaliation in the battle against drug trafficking has led to a federal prison term for Justin M. Hill. The 21-year-old St. Joseph native was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to five years and 11 months without parole for attempting to murder an informant who helped law enforcement crack down on his illegal activities.

Hill’s crime spree began when the confidential informant informed federal agents that Hill was transporting powder cocaine from Kansas City to St. Joseph. During a high-speed chase, Hill attempted to dispose of two ounces of cocaine but was ultimately apprehended by Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers. The cocaine was later recovered by law enforcement.

After the initial encounter, Hill’s wrath turned towards his informant. On August 30, 2013, Hill deliberately rammed the informant’s vehicle with a Chevy Suburban and then opened fire, unleashing six shots in a fit of rage aimed at avenging the betrayal he believed the informant had caused.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Edwards handled the prosecution of this case, while the investigation was spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

This sentence serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous world of drug trafficking and the lengths some will go to protect their operations. Hill’s brutal attack on an informant highlights the risks involved in assisting law enforcement and underscores the importance of maintaining a safe environment for both informants and communities alike.

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