⏱ 2 min read
Matthew R. Alsup, a 52-year-old man from Dexter, Missouri, tried to arrange for the murder of his estranged wife in Ohio. In early August 2025, Alsup traveled to Mississippi to recruit a former tenant to carry out the hit. He wanted his wife dead because she planned to file for divorce. Alsup met with an undercover police officer on August 14 and provided a .22 Magnum rifle and $1,720 as an advance, agreeing to pay a total of $5,000 for the murder.
The FBI learned of the plot and worked with the Poplar Bluff Police Department to investigate. Alsup also offered to pay extra to have his mother-in-law killed if she was present at the time of the murder. He pleaded guilty to a murder-for-hire charge in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau.
Alsup’s case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Shelton. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 19 and faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The foiled plot highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of law enforcement efforts to prevent such crimes. The FBI and local authorities worked together to prevent a tragic outcome and bring Alsup to justice.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Missouri
- Location: MO
- Source: DOJ Press Release
