New York Bank Manager Sentenced for Murder Plot on Brother-in-Law
New York, NY — A New York bank manager, Reshma Massarone, has been sentenced to 9.5 years in federal prison after being convicted of attempting to hire a hitman to kill her brother-in-law. The case, which involved social media communications and a $2,500 down payment, has shocked the public and drawn significant media attention.
Massarone, 40, a former branch manager at Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, used Facebook Messenger to plot the murder between July and August 2023, according to court documents.
Massarone’s plan came to light after she allegedly wired a $2,500 down payment to a supposed hitman at a Western Union kiosk inside a Walgreens. Court records revealed that she even suggested using rat poison, stating that it could “do a great job.” However, the hitman was actually an informant working against her, and he tipped off the intended victim and his wife.
The couple immediately alerted the U.S. Embassy in Guyana, setting off a federal investigation that ultimately led to Massarone’s arrest and conviction.
In a crucial piece of evidence, authorities obtained a recorded phone call in which Massarone gave explicit instructions that the murder should be staged as a robbery gone wrong. A DEA special agent translated the conversation, and this recording became a key factor in proving her intent.
Further complicating Massarone case, a close friend of hers—a Guyanese police officer—covertly collaborated with law enforcement to gather additional evidence. This undercover operation played a significant role in securing her guilty plea.
Massarone’s defense attorney attempted to mitigate her actions by claiming that she had suffered years of harassment at the hands of her brother-in-law. According to the defense, the tension between them dated back to when Massarone’s sister chose to marry the victim instead of her.
Her attorney argued that the brother-in-law deliberately sought to destroy Massarone’s career and reputation. The defense team also claimed that he harassed her family, going as far as trying to disqualify Massarone’s daughter from a beauty pageant. Despite these arguments, the court found Massarone’s plan to be cold and calculated.
Prosecutors, on the other hand, dismissed these justifications and emphasized the ruthless nature of the crime. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams denounced the murder-for-hire scheme, calling it “unthinkably heartless” and highlighting the shocking willingness of Massarone to take a human life for financial gain.
The prosecution argued that regardless of any personal grievances, attempting to arrange a murder was an inexcusable act that required significant punishment.
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The case gained widespread media coverage, with many following the courtroom proceedings closely. Massarone’s sentencing on August 27 marked the conclusion of a legal battle that exposed deep-seated family tensions and shocking criminal behavior.
Some relatives claimed that Massarone had a history of unethical actions, including financial exploitation of a dying family member. Many family members expressed relief at the verdict, with one even describing her conviction as “karma that came back full circle.”
Beyond the murder plot, Massarone had a history of legal disputes. She previously filed lawsuits against two banks, alleging racial discrimination, but both cases were dismissed. Her conviction now leaves her facing nearly a decade behind bars, with her once-promising career in ruins and her family relationships irreparably damaged.
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The case serves as a stark reminder of how digital communication can be used for criminal purposes and how law enforcement agencies are utilizing technology to uncover and prevent violent crimes.
It also highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked personal vendettas and the severe penalties associated with plotting serious crimes. With Massarone now serving her sentence, the legal system has sent a clear message that murder-for-hire schemes will not be tolerated.
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