Former Food Network Host Accused of Trying to Hire Hitman

What is up with people really trying to set up murders-for-hire?? Crazy.

This time it's not a crazy young newlywed... it's the former host of a Food Network program. Juan-Carlos Cruz, who some might know from 'Calorie Commando', is accused of plotting to hire homeless people to carry out a murder, CA. police said Friday night. The Santa Monica Police Department would not release details regarding the intended target of the hit. However, TMZ is reporting that law enforcement sources have told them that the hit was to take out Cruz's wife, who had recently came into some family money. TMZ's story says that the Chef wanted her "out of the picture"... but apparently not the money.

According to CNN News, Cruz was busted when the homeless people he allegedly hired told officers with the Santa Monica PD's Homeless Liaison Program. Police Sgt. Jay Trisler stated that the undercover investigation, which had started May 7th, revealed the where and when of the hit as well as the terms of payment.

Juan-Carlos Cruz is being held on a $5 million bail on the charge of solicitation to commit murder.
Whoever invented that program is really thinking out of the box......

Source:
CNN. Former TV chef accused in murder-for-hire plot. May 15th, 2010.