MORGANTON, N.C.,None — A jailed woman tried to arrange the murder of her sister-in-law and nephew, according to authorities.
But it wasn't a killer-for-hire she talked to, investigators say, and she was quickly turned in to police.
Lisa Vernea Cline, 41, of 1440 Sugar Farm Road, Catawba was charged Monday with solicitation of another to commit murder and solicitation of another to commit robbery, according to a press release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office. Bond was set at $75,000 secured.
According to arrest warrants, Cline asked Tammy Stamey Smith on May 22 to kill Jackie Cline Tucker, Cline's sister-in-law.
Cline offered to pay Smith for slaying the relative and her 8-year-old son, according to investigative Lt. Becky Weatherman. Smith quickly contacted investigators about the offer, she said.
Warrants also allege that Cline asked Crystal Ann Passmore to rob Tucker by tying her up, throwing gasoline in her face and gagging her. Cline supposedly asked Passmore to steal a gun, two televisions, an SUV and credit cards from Tucker.
Cline and Passmore were both inmates at the Burke-Catawba District Confinement Facility, Cline on charges of not paying child support, when Cline offered Passmore money to rob Tucker, Weatherman said. Passmore contacted authorities that day, May 19, about the plot.
Cline had separated from Tucker's brother and stayed with Tucker for several months earlier this year, Weatherman said. Tucker kicked Cline out shortly before her arrest as an alleged deadbeat mom.
The lieutenant said that getting kicked out may have been Cline's motive for soliciting murder. Weatherman added that Tucker told investigators that Cline had a knack for enacting revenge on people who did not do as she wished.
Additional charges are pending, Weatherman said.
Cline's next appearance is scheduled for June 28.
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