Murder for hire: Everett man charged with plotting to kill businessman

WORCESTER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A local man has been arrested on federal murder for hire charges, according to the District Attorney's office.

Investigators say Joseph Burke of Everett was allegedly hired by an undercover agent to kill a business man in New York. Burke met with an undercover agent on several occasions to coordinate the murder, which involved the shooting and killing of a man at his office in Manhattan on Oct. 17.

The suspect allegedly described how he would kill the target, said that he had "no qualms with doing it," according the the affidavit. He suggested he may have a friend he "grew up with" help him and even suggested the agent borrow money from the target because he wouldn't have to pay it back. Court documents also say Burke indicated that he had a gun ready and asked the agent for a car and mask.

Burke also allegedly went as far as telling people he would do the job if they wanted to get rid of a spouse.

SkyFOX was over 43 Lexington St. in Everett when federal investigators executed a search warrant at Burke's home Friday morning and arrested him. Federal agents also executed search warrants at his girlfriend's home in Somerville.

Nobody else has been charged at this point but the case is still active. The FBI says all the conversations with the undercover agents were recorded. Some even videotaped. Burke is being held and is scheduled to be back in court late this month.

Burke was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1993 after being convicted of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. In 1988, Burke was convicted of robbery charges and sentenced to five years, three months in prison. He is currently on probation.

Cox Media Group