Woman Paid Deputy to Kill Ex-Husband: Sheriff

BRADENTON, FL — A 34-year-old woman from south Manatee County faces solicitation of murder charges after deputies say she attempted to have her ex-husband killed.

According to the sheriff’s office, an investigation into Rachael Natalie Leahy’s alleged activities began in August. Detectives were tipped off that Leahy wanted her ex, David Joseph Leahy Jr., 59, of Sarasota killed, an email from the sheriff’s office said.

An undercover operation was kicked off at that time, the sheriff’s office said.

“Rachael hired a sheriff’s detective to kill David,” the email said. “The agreed cost of the murder for hire was $5,000 and Rachael had already paid $2,500.”

Detectives say Rachael wanted her ex-husband dead so she could have custody of their children, the email said.

Rachael Leahy was arrested Thursday, Sept. 8, the sheriff’s office said.

No further information is being released at this time.

Booking photo courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office