Murder for Hire Plot

Murder for Hire Plot

January 19, 2012

TYPE OF INCIDENT:

Murder for hire plot

DATE AND TIME OCCURRED:

January 12, 2012

LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE:

605 Fletcher Parkway (Parking Lot)

SUSPECTS:

#1- Francis Richard Noble, 31 years, El Cajon resident
#2- June Carol Pickard, 57 years, El Cajon resident

RESUME OF INCIDENT:

On Friday, January 6, the El Cajon Police Department was contacted by a concerned citizen who earlier in the day had been in communication with June Carol Pickard, a 57 year old El Cajon resident. During their conversation, Pickard made comments indicating her, and her son’s hatred, towards her daughter-in-law, her son’s wife. She asked the reporting party numerous questions leading him to believe she was serious about having the victim killed.

Ultimately, an undercover El Cajon Detective made contact with Pickard. She continued making statements indicative of her and her son’s desire to have the victim murdered, and even made suggestions as to how it could be accomplished. At another meeting, Pickard was joined by her 31 year old son, Francis Richard Noble. He too expressed his desire to have his wife killed, explaining the financial gains available to him and his mother, upon her death. Noble provided an initial payment and personal information about his wife, which were given to the undercover detective, to aid in the supposed murder plot. Pickard provided photographs of the victim.

On Thursday, January 12, El Cajon Detectives contacted the victim as she was travelling to work. She was brought to the El Cajon Police Department and the circumstances surrounding this investigation were explained to her. As one can imagine, she was shocked and in disbelief of the actions taken by the suspects, her husband of three years, and her mother-in-law, to have her killed. She was shown portions of surveillance video to help her better understand what had transpired during previous days. She was thoroughly interviewed and a victim’s advocate was brought in to aid her in dealing with this situation. The victim is currently staying with friends and relatives, and has requested the media not contact her.

Following our contact with the victim, the suspects were re-contacted and advised the victim had been killed, as they requested. They once again met with the undercover detective and were given personal property belonging to the victim, which they had specifically asked for. As they were leaving, they were contacted by El Cajon Police personnel and arrested. They were later booked into county jail on charges of Attempted Murder, Attempt to Solicit to Commit Murder, and Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

I am convinced, were it not for the concerned citizen coming forward and cooperating with police, the victim would have eventually been killed. Both Pickard and Noble are being held on $1,000.000 bail. Their preliminary hearing is set for January 30, 2012.

PREPARED BY: Lt. Steve Shakowski
DIVISION: Investigations
DATE AND TIME: 1/19/12
REVIEWED BY: Cpt. Cirello

Jim Redman, Chief Of Police