In the world of true crime stories, some cases are so shocking they seem almost unbelievable. This week’s podcast episode dives into one such tale—the case of Valerie Cincinelli, an ex-NYPD officer embroiled in a chilling murder-for-hire plot that targeted her own husband and stepdaughter.
Valerie Cincinelli appeared to have it all: a respected career with the NYPD, a family, and a seemingly stable life. But beneath the surface, turmoil brewed. Her first marriage ended with a restraining order, and her second marriage to Isaiah Carvalho Jr. was marred by domestic incidents. The situation escalated when she became convinced that Isaiah was after her pension, a belief that led her down a dark and dangerous path.
While undergoing a contentious divorce, Valerie began a relationship with John DeRuba, a man she met while on patrol. Their relationship quickly intensified, culminating in matching “till death” tattoos. But Valerie’s jealousy and paranoia soon took over. She believed Isaiah wanted her pension and felt that John’s teenage daughter was a threat to her relationship with him.
In a shocking twist, Valerie asked John to help her find a hitman to eliminate both Isaiah and his daughter. John, however, turned informant, striking a deal with law enforcement to expose Valerie’s deadly plans. The FBI and internal affairs set up a sting operation, recording Valerie as she discussed the details of the murders, including how to stage them to avoid suspicion.
The recordings captured Valerie’s chilling instructions, from withdrawing money to pay the hitman to planning the murders in a way that would deflect blame. Despite her attempts to destroy evidence and create alibis, the evidence against her was overwhelming.
Valerie’s trial was a spectacle of legal drama, with her defense claiming she was manipulated by John. However, the jury was presented with irrefutable evidence, including audio and video recordings of her plotting the murders. Ultimately, Valerie was sentenced to 48 months in prison, a sentence that many, including Isaiah, felt was too lenient given the gravity of her crimes.
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This episode not only delves into the details of Valerie’s case but also explores the broader implications of trust, betrayal, and the lengths to which some will go to protect their interests.
Tune in to this week’s episode to hear the full story of Valerie Cincinelli and the shocking murder-for-hire plot.
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Question: Do you think Valerie’s sentence was sufficient?
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