Idaho Man Makes Deal in Murder for Hire Case

CALDWELL, Idaho (AP) — A southwest Idaho man accused of offering money for the murder of his ex-girlfriend but who pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of solicitation to commit aggravated battery has been sentenced.

The Idaho Statesman reports that 21-year-old Kenneth O'Brien of Nampa on Tuesday received a withheld judgment and was placed on probation for a year and five months. He received the sentence in 3rd District Court.

O'Brien said he was only joking about the murder but acknowledged making the statement several times. Police say they found a 9 mm handgun and a 12-gauge shotgun at his residence.