FBI investigates Ada murder plot

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

ADA, Okla. -- After state charges were filed against those involved in a murder plot in Ada, the FBI chose to press federal charges as well.

The FBI has scoured the Wintersmith Park, a place where it's the norm for families to stroll. Investigators said they believe much of the murder plot took place in the park.

In a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, investigators said Tonia Mullins wanted a girl killed, saying she was worth $250,000 in insurance proceeds. Mullins at one point asked what could be given to someone to kill them so it would look like an overdose.

The target was the wife of Michael Andrew Crawford. He has roots in Ada and graduated from Byng high school in 2000 and who defined himself as "single" on his MySpace page.

On the social Web site, his top friend was listed as Mullins, who according to the documents told an undercover agent pretending to be a hit man she planned on "marrying Michael Crawford after his wife was gone."

The document went on to say "Regina Hercules, Crawford's Aunt, also wanted the girl dead."

"It's unnerving, even disturbing," Hercules' coworker Lori Grove said. "I never met her but considering she worked right next door to me, it's shocking."

Investigators said the plot crossed the ocean, citing Crawford played his role from South Korea where he serves in the Army.

According to records, Crawford signed a contract to pay $5,000 to a hit man to kill his wife.

Both Mullins and Hercules were jailed and are waiting to see if the case will go to trial. Crawford remains in Korea under Army supervision.

The FBI is expecting Michael Crawford back in the US in the coming weeks.