RENSSELAER, IN – A chilling murder-for-hire plot unraveled in Rensselaer as law enforcement arrested 24-year-old Paige Austin.
The Rensselaer Police Department initiated an investigation on July 5th after receiving reports of threats made by Austin against a local man.
According to reports, Austin had allegedly threatened to “put a bullet in the head” of her ex-boyfriend and set fire to the apartment building where he lived with his current girlfriend and their small children.
As the investigation progressed, more disturbing details emerged. On July 6th, evidence revealed that Austin was actively searching for someone to carry out the hit on her ex. A crucial breakthrough came when a witness provided Austin with a phone number to contact. Unbeknownst to her, the number belonged to an undercover Rensselaer Police Officer who assumed the role of a hitman.
Over the course of a 90-minute conversation, Austin discussed her desire to have her ex-boyfriend eliminated. Shockingly, she agreed to make a down payment in the form of Methamphetamine. A meeting was arranged, during which Austin believed she would meet the hired hitman.
Working in collaboration, officers from Rensselaer and Jasper County conducted surveillance at the meeting location. As Austin approached the undercover vehicle, she was swiftly taken into custody.
Paige Austin now faces serious charges, including two counts of level 6 felony Intimidation, Dealing in Methamphetamine—a level 5 felony—and level 2 felony Conspiracy to Commit Murder.
