Kentucky Doctor Allegedly Tried to Kill Ex-Husband With Magic “Death spell” [Horror IRL]

Horror IRL
Headshot courtesy of WDRB

A disgraced physician in Louisville, Kentucky has been accused of attempted murder-for-hire following what appear to be a series of botched attempts to have her ex-husband eliminated.

Dr. Stephanie Russell is gearing up to stand trial later this month. She is accused of attempting to hire a hitman to kill her ex-husband, Ricky Crabtree. The man she allegedly paid to commit the crime is an undercover federal agent. Russell reportedly made a down payment of $3,500. The total agreed-upon amount was set at $7,000.

With the case preparing for trial, Russell’s attorneys are trying to paint a picture of the doctor’s state of mind at the time of the alleged murder-for-hire plot. As such, Russell’s attorney has released a series of shocking text messages that seem to suggest Russell sought the services of several spiritualists to cast a “death spell” on her ex.

Also Read: Detroit Man Caught Exposing Himself Asleep At ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ Screening [Horror IRL]

One of the messages sees Russell telling an anonymous ‘healer’ she is “looking for a death spell”. She goes on to ask about the cost and then inquires if the ritual will include a sacrifice. Russell did not move forward with the “death spell’ after learning that most practitioners expected up-front payment.

Court records indicate that Crabtree filed for divorce in 2018. The dissolution was finalized in 2020. Russell and Crabtree share two children. The custody battle likely played a role in the contentious dynamic that allegedly led to Russell attempting to put out a hit on Crabtree.

Court records reveal that Russell’s attorneys hope to convince a judge that their client’s “mental condition left her unable to attain the culpable state of mind required by the criminal charges in this case”.

If convicted, Russell faces a prison term of up to 10 years. Her trial is slated to begin April 22nd.

That’s all for this installment of Horror IRL. Stay tuned to the site for more shocking developments as we uncover them. And be sure to follow Dread Central on Twitter so you never miss an update.

Categorized:

Sign up for The Harbinger a Dread Central Newsletter