Ralph Coley, 62, and Jesse Jenkins Jr, 72, were arrested by TBI Agent Russ Winkler last week after Coley asked Jenkins to find someone to kill his wife, Martha Coley.
According to information provided by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, beginning around March 22, 2004, Ralph Coley asked Jenkind., to find someone to commit 1st degree murder against his wife. Investigators say that Ralph Coley and his wife Martha are going through a divorce and have been at odds over the division of their property.
On the same date, Jenkins reportedly went to Leon Freeman's house and asked him if he would be willing to kill Ralph Coley's wife or if he could find someone to kill Coley's wife. Freeman reported this to authorities.
On March 23, Freeman contacted Jenkins and told him that he had found someone to commit murder.
On March 24, Jenkins allegedly reported to Coley that he had found someone to commit murder and Coley stated, "How much?" When told by Jenkins that he would have the person call Coley, Ralph Coley furnished Jenkins with a cellular telephone number.
According to Macon County Sheriff Joe Ferguson, the men discussed the plot with an undercover agent. This is what led to the eventual arrests of Coley and Jenkins.
Beth Denton with the TBI could provide no information. She stated, "I am at the mercy of my agent and I haven't found out anything."
Coley and Jenkins both are scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court Wednesday, March 31, to determine bond.
District Attorney Tommy Thompson stated that Coley is scheduled to be evaluated before any bond is granted. This is not the first time Coley has been arrested for an incident concerning his wife. In January of 2004, Coley was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for reportedly threatening his wife with a shotgun. He also allegedly pulled her hair and slapped her face several times, knocking her into a bathtub. She suffered several bruises on her body from this incident.
Coley of Cave Hollow Road was charged with solicitation for 1st degree murder and has retained the services of Attorney Andrew Stanford of Lafayette.
Jenkins of Mulberry Drive has also been charged with solicitation for 1st degree murder and has retained Attorney Roger May of Nashville.
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