Woman who used fake “Rent-A-Hitman” website to try and kill ex-husband pleads guilty
Monroe News, Mich.
A South Rockwood woman was convicted for using a website in an attempt to solicit the murder of her former husband in the spring of 2020.
Wendy Lynn Wein, 52, was charged with solicitation of murder, which is a life offense in Michigan, and using a computer to commit a crime which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Wein had no previous criminal record.
On Nov. 12, 2021, Wein plead guilty to both counts. The terms of the plea agreement that was reached cap the minimum sentence at nine years in prison. Her sentencing will take place Jan. 13, 2022 with 38th Circuit Court Judge Daniel S. White, who presided over the case.
D/Sgt. Michael Peterson of the Michigan State Police conducted the investigation of the incident. The investigation revealed that in the spring of 2020, Wein used a website titled “Rent-A-Hitman” in an attempt to arrange the murder of her ex-husband.
According to police, Wein completed a form on the site called a ‘service request’ using a fake name, but the form did include other personal identifying information. The owner of the website domain reported this information to the Michigan State Police and said he created the domain as a cyber-security test site.
After being made aware of the situation, an undercover detective with MSP contacted Wein on July 17, 2020 and made an arrangement to meet at a cafe in South Rockwood later that day. The interaction was under surveillance by Monroe Area Narcotics Team and Investigative Services (MANTIS), and Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team (LAWNET). Surveillance revealed that Wein repeatedly told the detective she wanted her ex-husband murdered.
Wein provided the detective with her former husband’s home address, place of employment and work schedule, and agreed to pay $5,000 for the murder. Wein met up with the detective in person a second time later that day to give him a $200 cash down payment. She was arrested shortly after, and confessed her involvement and intentions to Peterson.
Monroe County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kenneth Laurain prosecuted the case for the People of the State of Michigan. Wein was represented by Detroit attorneys Todd Flood and Vincent Haisha.
Prosecuting Attorney Michael Roehrig commended the efforts of MSP, particularly Peterson as well as Laurain.
” Mr. Laurain’s efforts and his ability to marshal the complexities of this case are what paved the way to this conviction,” said Roehrig.
