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OGDEN — A man accused of hiring someone to kill his adult daughter's boyfriend indicated in court that he will plead guilty to reduced charges.
An attorney for Joseph Larry Lopez, 59, announced in court that the Riverdale man will plead guilty to attempted conspiracy to commit murder, a third-degree felony, as part of a plea deal. Both Lopez and the would-be hitman were originally charged in May with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, after police responding to break up a fight learned the argument was over a hit that hadn't been carried out.
In faded jeans and a flannel shirt, Lopez waited quietly as his attorney, Emily Swenson, discussed health concerns with 2nd District Judge Michael DiReda that she said need to be taken into account at sentencing. Nothing further was said about the case Thursday.
A change of plea hearing for Lopez has been set for Nov. 5.
Lopez allegedly promised $5,000, with $1,000 paid up front, to David Allen Northcutt, 41, to kill his daughter's boyfriend. However, at sentencing in August, Northcutt said he never intended to follow through with the agreement and had instead used the money to get an apartment.
A motive for the proposed killing was not released.
Two weeks after making the deal, both Lopez and Northcutt called police during an argument over money owed and refunds. Detectives were able to figure out what was going on as they questioned the men about the argument and arrested them both.
Northcutt pleaded guilty in July to reduced charge of attempted aggravated murder, a third-degree felony, as part of a plea deal. He was sentenced to an additional 60 days in jail, having already served 105 days at the time, before being released on probation.
