News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. September 2, 2024: A Guyanese-born New York-based bank manager was sentenced last week to 9.5 years in prison for orchestrating a botched murder-for-hire plot against her brother-in-law. Reshma Massarone, a 40-year-old branch manager at Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, allegedly told the intended killer that “rat poison can do a great job,” according to court documents.
Massarone plotted the murder between July and August 2023, communicating with the would-be assassin via Facebook Messenger. She was caught on security footage installing a $2,500 payment at a Western Union kiosk inside a Walgreens. Her plan was for the hit to be carried out while her brother-in-law was traveling in Guyana. However, the individual she approached was an old friend and a Guyanese police officer who went into hiding to expose the plot. Massarone eventually pleaded guilty to murder-for-hire and was sentenced on August 27.
In one message, Massarone urged the alleged killer to act, writing: “You take care of business and become a rich man.” In another, she warned, “anyway, if I find someone to do the job, you’re going to be blamed, so cut the bulls**t and let’s do it.”
The plan began to unravel when the would-be killer contacted the victim and his wife, prompting them to report the threat to the US Embassy in Guyana. The undercover officer also recorded a conversation in which Massarone insisted the murder appear to be a robbery, with the recording later used as evidence in court.
In a filing, Massarone’s attorney argued that she acted “completely out of character” due to a “state of anger,” claiming her actions were provoked by her brother-in-law’s “twenty-five-year systemic harassment.” The defense claimed the victim had mercilessly targeted Massarone after being denied the chance to marry him when she was 15, instead marrying her then 16-year-old sister.
Massarone’s attorney described a long history of harassment, including attempts to sabotage her career and personal life. Despite protection orders and other measures, the victim allegedly continued his efforts to undermine her.
Massarone had previously sued two banks for racial discrimination during her employment, but both cases were dismissed.
Save 50.0% on select ILOUYU products with promo code 50L8K5V7, through 9/20 while supplies last.
