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Polk inmate offered $15K, sports car in exchange for murder of child, deputies say

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Polk inmate offered $15K, sports car in exchange for murder of child, deputies say
A Polk County inmate awaiting trial on child molestation charges offered $15,000 and a sports car to anyone willing to kill the young victim in the case, deputies said.Richard Palmer, 26, was charged Wednesday with two counts of solicitation to commit murder, and one count of solicitation to commit arson. According to the affidavit, Palmer approached a cellmate, asking him if he knew anyone who would be willing to kill the young victim and witnesses in his case. The cellmate notified law enforcement officials about Palmer's offer of $15,000 and a motor vehicle, described as a sports car, as compensation for murdering the child and two adults, then burn their home down to destroy evidence, the affidavit said. The cellmate turned over a hand-drawn map Palmer allegedly made of the targeted residence, complete with landmarks, and interior layout, which was intended to help the hired-killer with the task, Polk deputies said. An undercover detective then got involved, posing as someone interested in helping with the murders. Deputies said Palmer used the term “X Out” when talking about the planned murders with the cellmate and detective. According to the affidavit, the detective was provided directions, promised a sports car and money in advance. Palmer soon after arranged for $100 to be wired to the detective via Western Union, and was provided with a security code question by Palmer. An affidavit against Palmer naming him on the lewd and lascivious charges was originally filed in February 2013. He was arrested in Ohio and extradited to Polk County in November 2015. Deputies say he posted bail in December but was arrested again in September 2017 on suspicion of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.

A Polk County inmate awaiting trial on child molestation charges offered $15,000 and a sports car to anyone willing to kill the young victim in the case, deputies said.

Richard Palmer, 26, was charged Wednesday with two counts of solicitation to commit murder, and one count of solicitation to commit arson.

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According to the affidavit, Palmer approached a cellmate, asking him if he knew anyone who would be willing to kill the young victim and witnesses in his case.

The cellmate notified law enforcement officials about Palmer's offer of $15,000 and a motor vehicle, described as a sports car, as compensation for murdering the child and two adults, then burn their home down to destroy evidence, the affidavit said.

The cellmate turned over a hand-drawn map Palmer allegedly made of the targeted residence, complete with landmarks, and interior layout, which was intended to help the hired-killer with the task, Polk deputies said.

An undercover detective then got involved, posing as someone interested in helping with the murders. Deputies said Palmer used the term “X Out” when talking about the planned murders with the cellmate and detective.

According to the affidavit, the detective was provided directions, promised a sports car and money in advance. Palmer soon after arranged for $100 to be wired to the detective via Western Union, and was provided with a security code question by Palmer.

An affidavit against Palmer naming him on the lewd and lascivious charges was originally filed in February 2013. He was arrested in Ohio and extradited to Polk County in November 2015. Deputies say he posted bail in December but was arrested again in September 2017 on suspicion of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.