Federal Bureau of Investigation
9797 Aero Drive * San Diego, California 92123 * 858-499-7917
For Immediate Release
Date: Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Contact: April Langwell
Telephone: 858-499-7917
Fax: 858-499-7916
E-Mail: april.langwell@ic.fbi.govDarrell Foxworth
858-499-7810
***Media Advisory***
FBI Arrests Subject In Murder For Hire Plot
On Monday, July 16, 2007, at approximately 4:00pm, THOMAS RYAN KNIGHT, age 19, was arrested by FBI Agents at Fort Huachuca, near Sierra, Arizona. KNIGHT was arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant charging him with violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1958, Use Of Interstate Facilities To Commit Murder For Hire.
According to a federal complaint filed in San Diego, California, KNIGHT on an encrypted internet chat room, detailed his intention to have an individual living in Fresno, California, murdered.
According to the federal complaint, investigation into this murder for hire plot began on or about April, 2007. The investigation involved a San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Detective operating in an undercover capacity posing as a “hit man for hire.”
According to the federal complaint, in May 2007, the SDPD Detective at the direction of the FBI met with KNIGHT in Coronado, California, to discuss the murder for hire plot. Subsequently, over the next couple of months, KNIGHT provided the undercover officer with $1500 cash, photographs and address of the intended victim, and instructions upon the completion of the murder.
On Tuesday, July 17, 2007, KNIGHT had his initial appearance in Tucson, Arizona. KNIGHT remains in the custody of U.S. Marshal’s, in Tucson, Arizona.
Agencies involved in this investigation include the Immigrations & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, San Diego Police Department, and the FBI.
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