ECNETNews, New York, NY, Mon. Sept. 2, 2024: A bank manager, originally from Guyana and based in New York, has been sentenced to 9.5 years in prison following a shocking murder-for-hire scheme against her brother-in-law. Reshma Massarone, a 40-year-old branch manager at a prominent credit union, allegedly suggested to a would-be assassin that “rat poison can do a great job,” as detailed in court records.
The plot unfolded between July and August 2023, with Massarone communicating her intentions through social media. Surveillance footage captured her executing a $2,500 down payment for the hit at a local money transfer outlet. Her plan involved having the murder take place while her brother-in-law was visiting Guyana, but her chosen hitman turned out to be a long-time friend who is also a police officer. This officer went undercover to reveal the conspiracy. Massarone ultimately pleaded guilty to charges of murder-for-hire, with sentencing occurring on August 27.
In her messages, Massarone pressured the purported hitman to take action, stating, “You take care of business and you be a rich man,” and warned, “either way, if I find somebody to do the job, you’re going to get blamed, so cut the bulls**t and let’s get it done.”
The plot began to unravel when the would-be assassin reached out to the intended victim and his spouse, prompting them to alert the U.S. Embassy in Guyana. The undercover officer recorded a conversation in which Massarone insisted the murder should be disguised as a robbery, a recording that later served as pivotal evidence in the trial.
In a submission prior to sentencing, Massarone’s lawyer argued that her actions were out of character and driven by intense emotions, attributing them to alleged long-term harassment from her brother-in-law. The defense claimed that this harassment began when he was denied the opportunity to marry Massarone at the age of 15, leading him to marry her sister instead.
Massarone’s attorney highlighted a troubling history of alleged harassment, including attempts to sabotage her career and personal life. Despite legal protections, the victim purportedly continued to target her.
Additionally, Massarone had previously filed lawsuits against two banking institutions for racial discrimination while employed, although both cases were ultimately dismissed.
