How the BBC helped thwart an alleged murder-for-hire plot in Tennessee

Thanks to a tip from the BBC, federal investigators say they derailed a murder-for-hire plot in America. 

In late April, the BBC told the FBI about the threat to Ann Replogle in Tennessee, according to a federal court filing by investigators. 

Local sheriff’s deputies and federal agents spoke to the victim and her husband Nelson Paul Replogle, who said they could not think of anyone who wanted to kill the woman, according to the paperwork. Nelson Paul Replogle also said he did not solicit someone to murder his wife. 

The BBC provided more information that an unnamed person made a payment to kill Ann Replogle. The plot was to kill her while she went from her home to the vet’s office as she took their pet for an appointment, according to the filing. 

The information included specific details about date, time and her vehicle, according to investigators. 

A source provided the information to the BBC, who then turned it over to the police. 

The hit was paid for using Bitcoin — though the court filing did not include the amount — and the account was traced back to Nelson Paul Replogle, investigators noted. 

Nelson Paul Replogle was recently arrested and now faces a federal charge of murder-for-hire. 

Investigators have not said why Nelson Paul Replogle allegedly wanted to kill his wife.