The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on April 21, 2011, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, MATTHEW RUSSELL CAMPBELL, a 19-year-old resident of Billings, pled guilty to murder for hire. Sentencing has been set for July 20, 2011. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette L. Stewart, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

CAMPBELL wanted his mother killed for insurance proceeds, household items, and a recent inheritance that she had received. CAMPBELL originally had contact with a person in Helena who gave the information to law enforcement. The person in Helena had a number of phone calls with CAMPBELL and ultimately arranged for a meeting with an undercover officer ("UC").

After talking to CAMPBELL on the phone, the "UC" met CAMPBELL in Billings during the evening of October 18, 2010. CAMPBELL provided his mother's name, address, phone number, and work schedule. He also drew a map to his mother's house. CAMPBELL offered $10,000 to the "UC" to kill his mother. CAMPBELL liked the idea of his mother disappearing and the disappearance being blamed on his step-father.

CAMPBELL faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Helena Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.

 

 

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