Contract killing

Murder-for-hire, commonly known as contract killing or 'lejemord' in Danish, refers to a homicide arranged through an agreement where payment or something of value is exchanged for the killing of a specified person. Under U.S. federal criminal law, this conduct is prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1958, which specifically criminalizes the use of interstate or foreign commerce facilities with the intent that a murder be committed in exchange for anything of pecuniary value.

The statute applies to anyone who travels in or causes another to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, or who uses or causes another to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, with the intent that a murder be committed as consideration for the receipt of, or as consideration for a promise or agreement to pay, anything of pecuniary value. This broad language encompasses not only the person who solicits or hires the killer, but also intermediaries and anyone who facilitates the arrangement through interstate means.

The federal offense requires proof that interstate commerce or communication facilities were involved in the scheme. This element is typically satisfied through the use of telephones, email, wire transfers, or physical travel across state lines. The statute does not require that the murder actually be completed; the crime is established once the defendant uses interstate facilities with the requisite intent, making it both a substantive offense and capable of being charged as a conspiracy.

In true crime contexts, murder-for-hire cases often involve detailed investigations including undercover operations, where law enforcement agents pose as contract killers to catch those attempting to arrange killings. The penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 1958 are severe and depend on the outcome: if the killing results in death, the defendant may face life imprisonment or the death penalty; if personal injury results, imprisonment for up to ten years; and if no such result occurs, imprisonment for up to five years.