A convicted rapist and his girlfriend have now been charged in a murder-for-hire plot to kill a judge, a prosecutor, and the victim in the case that sent Alexander Kise to jail.
Kise, 21, and Alydia Gater, 22, have each been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy, and criminal sale of a controlled substance, New York State Police said.
A 16-year-old has also been charged with attempted murder and conspiracy in the case.
The drug charges against Kise and Gater stem from their use of about $1,750 worth of Xanax as a down payment for the murders.
According to WHAM, Kise and Gater made their plans via jailhouse telephone calls and the contracted with an undercover officer to conduct the murders.
Court documents say Kise and Gater provided descriptions of their intended targets, where they worked, and where they lived.
Assistant District Attorney Kelly Wolford said there uncharged people involved in the case, and the investigation continues.
Kise was convicted of rape and other charges on March 15 after he held his victim, a high school senior, captive for two days, raping her and injuring her in June 2022. He was awaiting sentencing, and could face up to 50 years in prison on those charges.
Kise has remained in jail since his conviction, and Gater is now in custody as well. Both are being held without bond.
