Massimo Marenghi, a 56-year-old Massachusetts resident, has pleaded guilty to hiring an undercover FBI agent to murder his wife, according to a statement released by the U.S.
Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts. Marenghi is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8.
In early 2021, Marenghi approached an individual seeking assistance in killing his wife, complaining about her efforts to obtain a restraining order against him. The person contacted the authorities, and the FBI subsequently directed them to introduce Marenghi to an agent posing as a hitman.
On January 20, 2021, Marenghi met with the undercover agent to discuss the “elimination” of his wife. He provided the agent with a photograph of his wife’s home and advised him on how to avoid security cameras.
The two met again on January 29, when Marenghi handed over a $1,500 cash deposit for the murder, urging the agent to complete the “demolition job” as soon as possible.
Marenghi also supplied the agent with a photo of his wife, a description of her car, the hours of operation for her business, and the times he would be with their children, suggesting that those were the “best times for the construction work to start.”
Depending on the outcome of the case, Marenghi could be sentenced to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Court documents submitted by special agent Bryce Ferrara indicate that Marenghi was charged with “the commission of murder-for-hire” on January 29, 2021.
During their initial meeting on January 20, Marenghi informed the undercover agent that he needed a “situation” involving his “soon-to-be” ex-wife to be “taken care of.” When asked if he wanted her “eliminated,” Marenghi confirmed his intentions.
The agent suggested making the murder appear accidental, to which Marenghi agreed. The two settled on a payment of $10,000 for the hit.
It remains unclear whether Marenghi has legal representation to comment on his behalf.