Surviving a Broken Marriage
Sometimes marriages end, even when they have the most promising beginnings. Despite vows being taken and the promise of “’til death do us part,” people can change and fall out of love.
![Surviving a Broken Marriage](/fp/static/_d_7f8585f3-3e44-43cc-a339-652a61cebf18.jpeg)
![Surviving a Broken Marriage](/fp/static/_m_7f8585f3-3e44-43cc-a339-652a61cebf18.jpeg)
However, what happens when that love turns to hate so strong, even divorce won’t remedy it?
Hoping for a New Life
For Isaiah Carvalho Jr., divorce meant the start of a new life away from his estranged wife Linda, a New York City police officer.
![Hoping for a New Life](/fp/static/_d_692284c6-bd1c-478b-9c33-34339b2d5627.jpeg)
![Hoping for a New Life](/fp/static/_m_692284c6-bd1c-478b-9c33-34339b2d5627.jpeg)
However, Isaiah was about to get the shock of his life…Linda had been plotting a horrible fate for him…
A Devastating Truth
In fact, for over five months, Valerie Cincinelli had been plotting with her boyfriend to hire a hitman to murder both her soon-to-be ex-husband and her new boyfriend’s daughter.
![A Devastating Truth](/fp/static/_d_ac19b36c-9f47-4f4f-bef6-ca8acfe72bd9.jpeg)
![A Devastating Truth](/fp/static/_m_ac19b36c-9f47-4f4f-bef6-ca8acfe72bd9.jpeg)
This story is too horrific to believe. A tale of corruption, anger, and pure vengeance…
Four Years Ago
Both Isaiah and Linda had married in 2015, thinking they would spend the rest of their lives together.
![Four Years Ago](/fp/static/_d_7d2d4eb6-4974-4e2b-949f-4bdc817c624f.png)
![Four Years Ago](/fp/static/_m_7d2d4eb6-4974-4e2b-949f-4bdc817c624f.png)
Linda was a successful police officer and Isaiah was a machine operator who sold fireworks on the side. Together, they seemed like a match made in heaven.
Happy for A Time
The couple seemed quite happy at first. Although Linda’s job did provide a fair share of stress, the newlyweds managed to work through it.
![Happy for A Time](/fp/static/_d_27efa351-be92-4ef3-aef9-2b9b6e7d47fa.jpeg)
![Happy for A Time](/fp/static/_m_27efa351-be92-4ef3-aef9-2b9b6e7d47fa.jpeg)
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse.
The Marriage Goes South
Four years into the marriage, Linda decided to call it quits and move on with another man. What followed was a very messy divorce, that involved mediation and a lengthy custody battle for their two children.
![The Marriage Goes South](/fp/static/_d_7150f1f4-8a1a-4204-8a49-dfc07c5d7b3b.jpeg)
![The Marriage Goes South](/fp/static/_m_7150f1f4-8a1a-4204-8a49-dfc07c5d7b3b.jpeg)
However, after five months of hell, Isaiah thought the matter had resolved itself.
A Sinister Plot
Linda had other plans. In fact, she hatched a diabolical scheme that would involve hiring someone to kill Isaiah and her new boyfriend’s daughter.
![A Sinister Plot](/fp/static/_d_2845784e-c1eb-405b-9353-52f1b82ba84c.jpeg)
![A Sinister Plot](/fp/static/_m_2845784e-c1eb-405b-9353-52f1b82ba84c.jpeg)
Linda wanted to start fresh and felt the only way to do so would be to eliminate them both.
The Boyfriend Caught in the Middle
Linda’s new boyfriend was caught in the middle of the scheme. He loved Linda but knew that a murder-for-hire plot wouldn’t be successful.
![The Boyfriend Caught in the Middle](/fp/static/_d_22a8fe41-167c-4927-a608-21fe59c54cd2.jpeg)
![The Boyfriend Caught in the Middle](/fp/static/_m_22a8fe41-167c-4927-a608-21fe59c54cd2.jpeg)
Realizing she could use her powers within the NYPD to make it happen, he quickly contacted the FBI.
The FBI Gets Involved
After revealing Linda’s plans to the FBI, it was decided that the boyfriend would see how far Linda would go with her plans.
![The FBI Gets Involved](/fp/static/_d_560c28c6-d456-4955-a2d4-5052f9171972.jpeg)
![The FBI Gets Involved](/fp/static/_m_560c28c6-d456-4955-a2d4-5052f9171972.jpeg)
He would be the eyes and ears of the FBI with the plan to catch her in the act.
An Idea Planted
Despite her boyfriend’s initial objections, Linda wouldn’t take no for an answer.
![An Idea Planted](/fp/static/_d_e7a9683d-8641-455d-854d-a3d4a8e011ae.jpeg)
![An Idea Planted](/fp/static/_m_e7a9683d-8641-455d-854d-a3d4a8e011ae.jpeg)
After the custody battle with her ex, she would not let him get away with taking her two children or humiliating her in court. Therefore, he needed to die.
Using Her Expertise
Linda had been exposed to homicides over the course of her career at the NYPD. She knew how killers were caught and that it would be in their best interest to hire someone to do it.
![Using Her Expertise](/fp/static/_d_24e17037-1654-4310-89fb-983f851dc067.jpeg)
![Using Her Expertise](/fp/static/_m_24e17037-1654-4310-89fb-983f851dc067.jpeg)
They couldn’t have any trails leading the murders back to them.
Two Horrific Deaths
The boyfriend couldn’t imagine life without his own daughter. And while he knew that Linda’s divorce had been a messy affair, murder seemed to be a bit extreme. However, he realized she was set on having them dead. Nothing would change her mind.
![Two Horrific Deaths](/fp/static/_d_e005dc56-7814-4175-ae76-40983a5ccf77.jpeg)
![Two Horrific Deaths](/fp/static/_m_e005dc56-7814-4175-ae76-40983a5ccf77.jpeg)
Linda’s plan was simple, they would make her ex-husband’s death look like an accident and then the killer would run over her boyfriend’s daughter outside of her school.
A Nightmare Scenario
For Linda’s boyfriend, it was a scene out of a horror movie. And when Isaiah was informed of the murderous plot, he was beside himself.
![A Nightmare Scenario](/fp/static/_d_874613aa-9ae1-4fd2-af1f-68a678767af8.jpeg)
![A Nightmare Scenario](/fp/static/_m_874613aa-9ae1-4fd2-af1f-68a678767af8.jpeg)
“It’s your worst nightmare scenario,” said Matthew Weiss, Mr. Carvalho’s lawyer.
Divorce Can Be Deadly
Isaiah believes the divorce hit his Linda hard. She had run into trouble with the NYPD in the past and combined with her marriage troubles, it seemed she had finally snapped.
![Divorce Can Be Deadly](/fp/static/_d_cb07a9d6-22c3-4317-b322-92c1870a5a58.jpeg)
![Divorce Can Be Deadly](/fp/static/_m_cb07a9d6-22c3-4317-b322-92c1870a5a58.jpeg)
If only he knew how bad things actually were…
Hire the Hitman
After five months of planning and the FBI tracking the situation, Linda was finally ready to make her move.
![Hire the Hitman](/fp/static/_d_8dda27b2-e218-4621-b01d-f36629a3fcbb.jpeg)
![Hire the Hitman](/fp/static/_m_8dda27b2-e218-4621-b01d-f36629a3fcbb.jpeg)
She instructed her boyfriend to hire the killer but was very specific on how he should be paid.
A Payment of Gold
Linda’s boyfriend revealed he was instructed to withdraw $7,000 from the bank and to purchase the same amount in gold coins.
![A Payment of Gold](/fp/static/_d_2fdf4758-32ab-4523-a48c-68b096793772.jpeg)
![A Payment of Gold](/fp/static/_m_2fdf4758-32ab-4523-a48c-68b096793772.jpeg)
This would be the easiest and least trackable way to pay the killer.
Stalking Her Daughter
Meanwhile, Linda used social media to track her boyfriend’s daughter and learn her routine. She wanted to know the girl’s every move so the hitman could do his job properly.
![Stalking Her Daughter](/fp/static/_d_2fd2848e-140f-4234-8846-45a61c118409.jpeg)
![Stalking Her Daughter](/fp/static/_m_2fd2848e-140f-4234-8846-45a61c118409.jpeg)
Everything needed to be planned perfectly for the murders to proceed without any complications.
Wired and Ready
Finally, on May 13, 2019, Linda called her boyfriend and asked him to meet her to discuss the hits in detail.
![Wired and Ready](/fp/static/_d_fe3a265f-3d8c-4b22-9673-cfc176cab981.jpeg)
![Wired and Ready](/fp/static/_m_fe3a265f-3d8c-4b22-9673-cfc176cab981.jpeg)
Wearing a wire, he met with her, hoping the FBI could finally get the evidence needed to take her down.
Don’t Get Caught
After meeting up with Linda, the boyfriend stressed to her that the murder plot was too complicated and they would definitely get caught.
![Don’t Get Caught](/fp/static/_d_e467499e-c542-4bfe-bf65-8007c0f65ca9.jpeg)
![Don’t Get Caught](/fp/static/_m_e467499e-c542-4bfe-bf65-8007c0f65ca9.jpeg)
However, Linda assured him she knew a way to make sure the murders didn’t seem linked.
Two Days, Two Murders
According to Linda, the murders would take place on two different days. Her ex-husband would be taken out in an area she described as “ghetto” therefore, no one would suspect any foul play.
![Two Days, Two Murders](/fp/static/_d_c102658c-c7a5-4cad-8224-3ac9be1bb87e.jpeg)
![Two Days, Two Murders](/fp/static/_m_c102658c-c7a5-4cad-8224-3ac9be1bb87e.jpeg)
As for his daughter, it would be a tragic hit and run…a complete fluke. No one would be the wiser.
Authorities At Work
After the meeting, the FBI decided it was in their best interest to convince Linda that the murders had actually taken place in order to catch her.
![Authorities At Work](/fp/static/_d_f260b805-7a3c-4289-939b-da2f5695f12b.jpeg)
![Authorities At Work](/fp/static/_m_f260b805-7a3c-4289-939b-da2f5695f12b.jpeg)
They asked the boyfriend if he was willing to continue with the charade and he agreed. He wanted to see this cold-blooded monster put away for good.
Convincing the Monster
Pretending to be her boyfriend, the FBI texted Linda to let her know that her plot had succeeded.
![Convincing the Monster](/fp/static/_d_9a1e299f-26a5-4639-a1a4-13a5bf00f135.jpeg)
![Convincing the Monster](/fp/static/_m_9a1e299f-26a5-4639-a1a4-13a5bf00f135.jpeg)
They contacted her at home and told her they were investigating the death of her ex-husband Isaiah. However, they also chose to take things a step further. You won’t believe the lengths they went to…
Faking A Death
The authorities pretended to be the killer as well!
![Faking A Death](/fp/static/_d_ef8d4235-a05e-46ba-a54f-fccbd149a58d.jpeg)
![Faking A Death](/fp/static/_m_ef8d4235-a05e-46ba-a54f-fccbd149a58d.jpeg)
They sent Linda fake crime scene photos, hoping to convince her that the disgusting deed had been done. Thankfully, she took the bait.
The Deed is Done
Thrilled that the murder had been successful, Linda immediately contacted her boyfriend with the news.
![The Deed is Done](/fp/static/_d_e4f8693e-16d2-4d66-9e46-fc5457bd572e.jpeg)
![The Deed is Done](/fp/static/_m_e4f8693e-16d2-4d66-9e46-fc5457bd572e.jpeg)
She wanted to make sure they aligned their alibis so there would no red flags if they were questioned by the police.
Erasing the Evidence
Texting her boyfriend (who actually was an FBI agent), Linda demanded he deleted all of their text message conversations.
![Erasing the Evidence](/fp/static/_d_b7977559-eb29-4f07-8931-f23bbaf5ebcc.jpeg)
![Erasing the Evidence](/fp/static/_m_b7977559-eb29-4f07-8931-f23bbaf5ebcc.jpeg)
It was imperative they left no tangible trail that could link them to the crime.
Taken Into Custody
With all of the evidence they needed, the FBI approached Linda that afternoon and arrested her.
![Taken Into Custody](/fp/static/_d_0b136ee2-dc3a-4005-a36e-f9cc834bcbe5.jpeg)
![Taken Into Custody](/fp/static/_m_0b136ee2-dc3a-4005-a36e-f9cc834bcbe5.jpeg)
To say Linda was shocked was an understatement. The officer had been outsmarted by the man she thought loved her.
Officially Charged
Linda was booked at the NYPD and charged with the use of interstate commerce for murder for hire.
![Officially Charged](/fp/static/_d_b0becf16-bd55-44f8-b6f2-6d5232149118.jpeg)
![Officially Charged](/fp/static/_m_b0becf16-bd55-44f8-b6f2-6d5232149118.jpeg)
It was a mighty fall from grace for the officer…or was it?
A History of Misconduct
It seemed Linda had a history of misconduct during her career with the NYPD. After joining the force in 2007, she had worked at the 106th Precinct in Queens as a domestic violence officer until 2017.
![A History of Misconduct](/fp/static/_d_dae74ca6-5f1a-431b-b4c8-9e0ed807619d.jpeg)
![A History of Misconduct](/fp/static/_m_dae74ca6-5f1a-431b-b4c8-9e0ed807619d.jpeg)
However, she was placed on modified duty after sharing confidential information with her boyfriend. She also lost the right to carry a gun.
Why Murder?
So what brought this officer to murder? The FBI can’t say for sure, but they believe her tumultuous love life had something to do with it.
![Why Murder?](/fp/static/_d_b9547f70-d4f0-4847-9bad-222593a8734b.jpeg)
![Why Murder?](/fp/static/_m_b9547f70-d4f0-4847-9bad-222593a8734b.jpeg)
Isaiah Carvalho had been her second husband, and she had restraining orders against her first husband.
The Investigation Continues
As of now, Linda is being held without bail as the investigation continues. “There is very strong evidence of guilt of the crimes of trying to get these two individuals murdered,” said Judge Anne Y. Shields of the federal court in the Eastern District.
![The Investigation Continues](/fp/static/_d_e60acf39-59fb-4f7d-8e03-10f377eccc61.jpeg)
![The Investigation Continues](/fp/static/_m_e60acf39-59fb-4f7d-8e03-10f377eccc61.jpeg)
We hope justice is served and we’re thankful that both Isaiah and the innocent girl escaped with their lives. Love can be a dangerous thing…