Monticello woman who sought to hire killer wanted husband, ex-wife dead, police affidavit states

Stephanie Rogers, 48, of Monticello.
Stephanie Rogers, 48, of Monticello.

An Arkansas woman who was arrested in a murder-for-hire case is accused of trying to kill her husband and his ex-wife so she could inherit his business and receive his life insurance policy, according to a probable cause affidavit that reveals new details in the case.

Stephanie Rogers, 48, of Monticello faces charges of conspiracy to commit capital murder and solicitation to commit capital murder, records show.

She is the wife of former Monticello Mayor Joe Rogers, who is a candidate in the city's mayoral election this fall.

The affidavit written by detective Kenny Cox states that the investigation began Tuesday after a confidential informant told the Monticello Police Department that Stephanie Rogers approached her about slaying her husband's ex-wife, Debbie Rogers.

The informant said Stephanie Rogers wanted Debbie Rogers killed because she would inherit Joe Rogers' business upon his death, the affidavit states. Stephanie Rogers told the informant she would then kill her husband, receive his life insurance policy and take control of his business, Cox wrote.

Stephanie Rogers told the informant that she wanted her husband's death to look like an accident, according to the affidavit. She said that she had already loosened the lug nuts on his truck, but he left the house in another vehicle, Cox noted.

On Wednesday, Stephanie Rogers continued to speak with the informant about an uncle who could be hired to kill Debbie Rogers, the document states. She added that she wanted the murder to look like a robbery at Debbie Rogers' home and expressed interest in killing her quickly, Cox wrote.

In a recorded interview with the informant, Stephanie Rogers said she was "ready for this lady to be gone," police said.

Stephanie Rogers remained at the Drew County jail Monday morning in lieu of $500,000 bond, jail officials said.

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