St. Louis County police detectives have arrested a woman who hired a man to murder her ex-husband. On Friday, July 29, 2005, warrants were issued on Maritha M. Hunter-Butler, 30 years of age, of Caldwell Court, St. Louis, Missouri 63135, for Attempt Murder in the First Degree and Armed Criminal Action. Bond has been set at $100,000. St. Louis County Police Major Ted Hylla, Commanding Officer of the Division of Criminal Investigation, advised the following, "Our investigation began a few weeks ago when an anonymous informant contacted one of our detectives and advised that Maritha Hunter-Butler was talking about making arrangements to have her ex-husband murdered. The detective bureau worked with the informant to arrange a meeting with Hunter-Butler. As stated on the Probable Cause Statement of Facts on the warrant prepared by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, we believe Maritha Hunter-Butler wanted her ex-husband murdered to receive money from a life insurance policy. Hunter-Butler was planning on giving a portion of the proceeds to the man she hired. Detectives gathered information and evidence concerning her intentions and also obtained a rifle to be used to commit the murder." Chief of Police Jerry Lee stated, "We know that due to the nature of this type of incident, we must act immediately and I commend the detectives for their thorough and quick investigation. The suspect, Maritha Butler, had contacted someone that she thought was a hitman and had it not been for the cooperation between the informant and our detectives, she may have been successful in committing murder." Media Relations Staff:
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