Murder-for-hire plot foiled in Carmel

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - Police say a murder-for-hire plot in Carmel was stopped after a co-worker recorded conversations about the plan on his phone.

27-year-old Stephen Perry of Carmel faces a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.

According to court documents from Hamilton County, police say Perry asked a co-worker at an instant oil change business if he knew someone who could kill his wife.

Police say Perry  said he would “pay him $15,000 and give him a 'money-machine,' that makes counterfeit money.

He told the co-worker he "wanted his ex-wife killed because he would get more money and it would settle the divorce easier."

Documents show the co-worker eventually recorded two conversations on his cell phone.

In one conversation, the co-worker asked, “So what is knocking her out worth?”

Perry replied, “It’s gonna get me my (expletive) money. Without the divorce. And then I can get all of my money out.”

In another conversation, Perry told the co-worker, “Cause it isn't even about the (expletive) money. I just want this to be over and done with. So if she dies I can drop the divorce lawsuit, she's dead, and I'm free."

At one point, the co-worker replied, “That isn't what you want, man."

Perry said, "That is what I want. I want this (expletive) done."

“You hurt my dog that’s another story. You hurt my dog the deal’s off,” said Perry.

Documents show Perry even goes on to say, "Do you want me to draw you a map of the house how it's laid out so you don't kill her grandparents just take care of her?"

Documents show the co-worker met Perry’s estranged wife at a coffee shop, and gave her the cell phone with the recordings on it.

She went to police. Perry was arrested at the end of December.

He remains in the Hamilton County jail on a $250,000 bond. Perry declined a request from 24-Hour News 8 for an interview at the jail.

We’ve also learned the oil change business where these conversations happened at, has since been turned over to new owners, with all new employees.