Former Owensboro resident admits to role in murder-for-hire scheme

LOUISVILLE, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — A Louisville pediatrician signed a plea agreement on Monday, admitting to her role in a murder-for-hire scheme against her former husband.

According to the plea agreement, in July 2021, Stephanie Russell began asking her employees if they knew anyone who would be willing to kill her former husband. After the FBI was notified, Russell was given a phone number for someone she believed was a Chicago hit man.

The plea agreement states the phone number was for an FBI Special Agent. She ultimately agreed to pay $7,000 in exchange for the death of her former husband, paying half up front.

Russell was arrested, per court documents, the day after she left $3,500 outside the doctor’s office that was picked up by the FBI agent.

In the agreement, she also admitted to using a cellphone, the internet, and other means with the intent to harass and intimidate her former husband. Including impersonating a journalist who claimed to be writing a “derogatory” story that could involve him.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS

Per the plea agreement, Russell will face up to 15 years in prison, a maximum fine of $500,000, and three years of supervised release.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).