Pekin, Illinois – An Illinois woman, Allison Salinas, has been charged with solicitation of murder after allegedly plotting to have her husband killed so she could be with her former lover and avoid sharing marital assets. The 48-year-old was arrested last week and now faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
The Alleged Plot
Salinas’ involvement in the plot began in 2021 when she rekindled a relationship with an ex-boyfriend from nearly 30 years ago. Despite being married, Salinas started a long-distance relationship with the man, who lived in Dallas, Texas. The ex-boyfriend later testified that Salinas began manipulating him after learning about an inheritance he had received, with a growing desire to leave her husband without losing her share of the marital assets.
Court documents indicate that by November or December 2023, Salinas began discussing her desire to have her husband killed. Initially, the ex-boyfriend attempted to deflect her requests, but Salinas allegedly insisted that he either kill her husband or help her find someone else to do it.
Details of the Conspiracy
The ex-boyfriend, frustrated with Salinas’ persistence, contacted the Pekin Police Department in February 2024. He reported that the plot had been a frequent topic of conversation and that Salinas had even provided him with details about her husband’s routine. Authorities took little action initially, but things took a turn when a video was posted on Facebook in early July that implicated Salinas in the scheme.
Salinas allegedly sent her ex-boyfriend a picture of her husband on May 27, 2024, with a message reading, “There’s ur pic u need.” She continued, urging him to “take care of this,” and even suggested that her husband was planning to stop paying a lease, which would lead to financial hardship for her. Salinas reportedly sent the message: “Please make him go away.” She also searched online for information on spousal immunity, indicating she was trying to plan for the potential legal consequences of the murder.
Other Methods Discussed
Salinas allegedly discussed various ways of killing her husband, including poisoning him with shellfish, to which he was allergic. In another conversation, she and her ex-boyfriend openly discussed finding a “ghost” to carry out the murder, using the term “ghost” to refer to a hitman. These discussions were reportedly captured in recorded phone calls and text messages that were later provided to law enforcement.
Previous Marriage and Spousal Immunity
During a subsequent interview, Salinas revealed that she had learned about spousal immunity from her previous husband, Delbert Mills, who was convicted of murdering his wife in Texas in 2003. Salinas claimed that Mills had pushed them to get married quickly so she wouldn’t be able to testify against him if he were charged.
Salinas’ Acknowledgement and Charges
When interviewed by police on July 22, Salinas acknowledged having discussed the murder of her husband with her ex-boyfriend for an extended period, but claimed that she had not been in a good mental state at the time. She reportedly stated she was not “crazy or unstable.” Salinas admitted to sending the photo of her husband to the ex-boyfriend, though she remained silent when questioned about its significance.
Salinas was charged with solicitation of murder, and the investigation involved assistance from the FBI.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Salinas had a detention hearing on Friday, though it is unclear when her next court appearance will be. She faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of the crime.
