CAYUGA CO. -- A local man will spend the next 7 to 14 years in state prison for conspiring to kill two people in Cayuga County.
39-year-old Michael Coe was convicted of hiring someone to kill two people associated with his estranged ex-girlfriend. It happened while Coe was behind bars at the Auburn Correctional Facility. Prosecutors say Coe gave instructions, provided descriptions, address and even drew maps of where the intended victims would most likely be found. They say he even made drawings of how he wanted the murders carried out.
He then met personally with a person who he believed was a professional "hitman." During the meeting, prosecutors say Coe explained in explicit detail how he wanted the two killed. They say he also arranged for the transfer of money to pay for the murders.
"This exceedingly serious murder plot was thwarted and the inmate was held accountable due to the excellent investigative work," said Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann. "This case reminds us that even though incarcerated some criminals are still quite dangerous to those outside the prison walls. We must remain vigilant and protect ourselves from violent criminals."
Coe was in prison at the time, serving a 1 to 4 year prison term on attempted burglary charges and was scheduled to get out of prison in July of 2012.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit (Syracuse), the Department of Corrections Inspector General's Office, in conjunction with the Cayuga County District Attorney's office.
Read the indictment against Michael Coe.
