OGDEN — The case against an Ogden man charged with making a $5,000 deal to kill an unwanted boyfriend appears likely to end in a plea agreement.
David Allen Northcutt, charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, appeared briefly in 2nd District Court on Monday to waive a preliminary hearing.
Northcutt's attorney indicated a "resolution" was in the works with prosecutors and the Ogden man is prepared to enter a guilty plea at a July 16 hearing.
Details about the potential deal or what charges Northcutt will plead guilty to were not available Monday.
Northcutt, 41, was allegedly hired earlier this year by Joseph Larry Lopez, 59, to kill his adult daughter's boyfriend, according to Riverdale police.
Lopez paid Northcutt $1,000 in cash upfront and then promised an additional $4,000 once the deed was completed, according to a probable cause statement. Northcutt said he'd shoot the boyfriend "between the eyes" with a gun he owned, charging documents state.
But about two hours after receiving the $1,000, Northcutt apparently changed his mind, according to the charges.
Two weeks later, Lopez and Northcutt got into an argument over money owed and refunds, and both called police. Detectives were able to figure out what was going on as they questioned the men about the argument.
A motive for the proposed killing has not been released.
Lopez is also charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, but has yet to make an initial court appearance after two previously scheduled hearings were postponed. Court documents indicate Lopez was hospitalized at the time of a June 11 court date.
Judge Michael DiReda indicated at the time that if Lopez has been released from the hospital in time for the next scheduled hearing, July 16, but fails to appear, a warrant will be issued for his arrest.
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