Montville, Conn. – An Army sergeant and his brother are facing charges related to a murder-for-hire plot involving four victims, including two young children. The disturbing scheme unfolded when an inmate at MacDougall Correctional Institute in Suffield, Connecticut, shared details with authorities. The inmate disclosed that Joshua Peikert, the accused, had expressed a desire to have the four victims killed: a 29-year-old woman, a 10-year-old girl, a 1-year-old girl, and a 23-year-old man.
According to reports, the inmate claimed that Peikert was willing to pay $10,000 per victim for their murder. Shockingly, Peikert even provided details such as the victims’ addresses, sleeping arrangements, and spare key locations. However, it is important to note that the inmate maintained they had no intention of carrying out the gruesome act, but did request a finder’s fee of $500. Jeremiah Peikert, Joshua’s brother, reportedly facilitated a money transfer of $250 to the inmate in the summer of 2022.
Following his release from jail, Joshua Peikert allegedly discussed a “construction job” and “materials” with the inmate, which was believed to be code for the planned murders. The inmate’s encounter with Peikert at a recreational area post-release led to feigned ignorance about the payment transfer. In a chilling turn of events, the inmate was later assaulted in prison and felt compelled to warn one of the intended victims of the threat to their safety.
In December 2023, a detective traveled to Texas to question Jeremiah Peikert, an Army sergeant, about the money transfers. The Army sergeant confessed to being aware of his brother’s plan to harm a victim but claimed ignorance of the full extent of the scheme. Both Joshua and Jeremiah Peikert have since been arrested, with charges including conspiracy to commit murder and risk of injury to minors. Currently in custody, they face significant bail amounts as per records. Jeremiah Peikert is held on $500,000, while Joshua Peikert remains detained on $710,000.