STATE POLICE INTERVENE IN CLAY CO. MURDER FOR HIRE PLOT

(01/22/2011)
West Virginia State Police Troopers are now saying they stopped a murder for hire crime in Clay County.

Two undercover State Troopers were hired by 53-year-old Brent Boggs of Ivydale-Big Otter to kill an ex-business partner.

Police have not identified the intended target, but did say he lives in Charleston.

Sgt. K. D. Horrocks with the Clay County Detachment says police got a tip Boggs was searching for someone to take the job.

The two individuals hired to do the hit were Corporals L.J. Deskins and B.L. Keefer.

The undercover officers met with Boggs (pictured left) earlier this week to "finalize" the deal.

Boggs, a former Clay County teacher and businessman, was arrested the next day and charged with solicitation of first-degree murder.

"It's the first [kind of case] I've worked in my 11-year career," said Horrocks.

Boggs is being held at the Central Regional Jail in Flatwoods on a half million dollars bail.

"We're still investigating it and tracking down other witnesses and potential witnesses to the case," Horrocks said.

Authorities have yet to say why Boggs wanted to kill the man.

See related story UPDATED: CLAY MAN TRIES TO HIRE STATE POLICEMEN TO KILL FORMER PARTNER