International News: A Tennessee Air National Guardsman Faces Charges for Alleged Attempt to Hire as Hitman via Parody Website
WASHINGTON D.C. — The Department of Justice has charged Josiah Ernesto Garcia, 21, following an employment inquiry submitted to the satirical "rentahitman.com" website, designed initially to advertise a cybersecurity startup company. According to the DOJ, the company folded, and since then, the site has received numerous inquiries regarding murder-for-hire services over the past decade.
In February, Garcia reportedly expressed his military experience and rifle expertise while requesting an "in-depth job description." The defendant provided additional identification documents and a resume stating his air guard employment since July 2021, also highlighting his expert marksmanship nickname, "Reaper," earned from his military service.
Garcia later emailed expressing dissatisfaction about not receiving a response after submitting his resume, stating his intention to find a job related to his military skills in shooting and killing targeted individuals. The FBI, directing the website owner, responded to Garcia's email with an offer of communication from a "Field Coordinator."
The case remains under investigation by federal authorities.
On April 5, a U.S. citizen identified as Jose Garcia was arrested by FBI agents and charged with using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. According to the Justice Department, an undercover agent posing as a client contacted Garcia and proposed a contract for the murder of a specified individual.
The alleged conversation between Garcia and the undercover agent took place during a phone interview on April 5, during which Garcia agreed to the terms of the murder arrangement, according to the complaint. In an in-person meeting with the undercover agent on Wednesday, Garcia was presented with a "target package" containing identifying information about the victim, who was described as abusive towards the client. The client reportedly offered $5,000 for the job, with a down payment of $2,500.
During the meeting, Garcia expressed his willingness to take trophies and perform torture if requested by the client, according to the complaint. However, when asked by the undercover agent if he needed to provide a photograph of the dead body, Garcia agreed. In a subsequent search of his home, FBI agents recovered an AR-style rifle.
Garcia faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted, and is set to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon. CNN has been unable to reach Garcia's attorney for comment. The Air National Guard has also been contacted for comment regarding Garcia's employment status.
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