SHELBYVILLE — A Shelbyville man will spend more than 43 years in prison after pleading guilty to two courts of murder for hire, witness tampering, illegally possessing a firearm and producing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
This story begins with Robert Mason Elliott, 28, meeting a 16-year-old girl in 2017.
Eventually, Elliott was charged with domestic battery involving the teen and later dealing narcotics and producing and distributing child sex abuse material of he girl, according to court documents.
While in jail on those charges, in February 2018, Elliott called his mother and told her to hire a hitman – specifically from the motorcycle club Hells Angels—to kill or injure the girl to stop her from testifying against him.
As his mother attempted to hire a member of Hells Angels, authorities stopped the plan, according to court documents.
After this, Elliott attempted to hire inmates within the Shelby County Jail by offering $5,000 to kill the girl and her mother, according to court documents. Multiple inmates told police of these discussions.
In May 2019, Elliott reached out to a “hitman” from the “cartel” and offered military-grade weapons, a motorcycle and more if he fulfilled the hit on the girl and her mother, according to court documents.
Little to Elliott’s knowledge – the “hitman” was an undercover federal agent.
In June, Elliott pleaded guilty and this week he was sentenced to 520 months in prison.
“The defendant’s heinous, violent crimes demonstrate an utter disrespect for the law or the value of human life,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
-
Road Safety Audit highlights crashes at northeast Indy intersection
More than 90 crashes at the intersection of Binford Blvd and Kessler Blvd have city leaders searching for potential changes.
Racist flyers found scattered around Hamilton County
Numerous neighbors are taking action after dozens of racist flyers threatening deportation were found scattered across roads in Hamilton County.
University of Indianapolis launches new Behavioral Health Trauma certificate
The certificate specifically focuses on mental health professionals who plan to provide trauma counseling. It is obtained after three courses and nine total credit hours.
Josh Downs, Anthony Richardson team up to give Colts offense a jolt of energy
Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs welcomed last week's announcement that Anthony Richardson would return as Indy's starting quarterback.
