Three Blacks Charged in Murder-for-Hire Homicide and Home Invasion of White Woman

M Live
October 10, 2015

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Frances Craig was murdered in her own home, after she agreed to be a witness in an arson case.

Three people have been charged in the “murder for hire” homicide of 28-year-old Frances Craig, who was found dead in her Summit Township home more than a year ago.

Clifford McKee, 49, and Rodney McKee, 27, have been charged with open murder, conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, solicitation of murder, and first-degree home invasion, a news release issued by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office said.

In addition, a third man, Cortez Butler, 43, has been charged with open murder, conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, and first-degree home invasion.

Related: Timeline of events in homicide.

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Rodney J. McKee has been charged with her murder.

The charges stem from more than a year ago, when Craig was found dead in her home in the 5200 block of Timbercrest Trail in Summit Township on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka said his office alleges her death was “a murder-for-hire case,” in which Rodney McKee conspired with his relative, Clifford McKee, to have a witness killed in a pending arson case.

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Clifford McKee was contacted by his relative to find someone who would kill the witness.

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