Cops: Budding Hit Man Exposed by His Texts

A Maryland homicide case that began with 21 bullets in a townhouse parking lot has now turned on an eight-word text: "This hit man s--- has been picking up." Prosecutors say that message, allegedly sent by 24-year-old gymnastics coach Douglas Lacey, backs their theory that the March 2025 killing of 23-year-old delivery worker Jonah Mutua was a contract hit, reports the Washington Post. Lacey's lawyer says his texts—including one asking for "info on the target"—are not evidence of murder-for-hire, and is trying to throw out the cell-tower data that helped police build the case, arguing it came from an alarmingly broad sweep of all electronic devices in the general area.

Investigators say they used location data, a GPS tracker on a gray Tesla, and license-plate scanners to tie Lacey's car to both Mutua's killing and an earlier shooting. A search of Lacey's phone allegedly then turned up FaceTime screenshots showing a photo of Mutua and a map highlighting his home. Prosecutors say they were shared by 23-year-old Bekine Ayele, who is accused of ordering the hit over a $2,200 debt. His arrest was announced Sept. 1, per WUSA. Lacey has been in custody since April 2025. Both men are charged with first-degree murder, though no payment trail has been detailed in court. A judge has signaled support for the contested warrants, with Lacey's trial set for next year.