Former Food Network Host Murder-for-Hire Plot: Text Messages Say He Had Alternative Hitman Lined Up

In text messages obtained by TMZ, former Food Network host Juan-Carlos Cruz communicates with three homeless people whom he allegedly solicited in a murder-for-hire plot. Unbeknownst to Cruz, the men were working with the investigators while playing along with him. Police were able to arrest him following an undercover investigation that started early this month.

According to TMZ's story, the former 'Calorie Commando' host gave the men a cell phone so that they could contact him. In a series of poorly-written text messages, Cruz tries to ensure that the homeless men are still in on the plan. "Have 2nd party ready 2 take over if u dont want it r u in?" the chef reportedly texted. Among the other messages obtained by the source are requests by Cruz to meet with the men in order to discuss the hit. In a bizarre part of the storyline, TMZ reveals that Juan-Carlos Cruz wanted to pay the men by giving them the ripped halves of ten $100 dollar bills, with the other halves being forked over after the murder had taken place. When the undercover participants grew frustrated with this idea and threatened to bail, Cruz reportedly texted the following response: "Have already been burned with whole bills then no show thats why do it this way."

Source:
TMZ. Text Messages: Cruz Had Other Hitmen Lined Up. May 16th, 2010.

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.