Ill. man charged with allegedly orchestrating murder-for-hire plot that killed ex-wife's new girlfriend

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (TCN) -- Prosecutors filed charges against three men who allegedly participated in a murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the fatal shooting of a woman outside her home.

According to the Collinsville Police Department, on Jan. 21 at 6 a.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Olive Street and found a woman near her garage suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim, 32-year-old Portia Rowland, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Collinsville Police requested assistance from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, and 30 investigators arrived to join the investigation.

Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine said Rowland's death "was not a random act of violence, but rather, this was a calculated and cold-hearted murder-for-hire scheme based on a personal grievance."

Investigators first arrested 33-year-old Marty Shaw, the man they allege drove suspected co-conspirator Gary Johnson to Rowland's house. Officials located Johnson, who is a convicted felon of first-degree murder, and apprehended him. Soon after that, police arrested Sammy Shafer. All three men are being charged with first-degree murder, while Shafer has an additional charge of solicitation of murder and Johnson with one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Haine alleges Shafer paid Johnson and Shaw $10,000 to carry out Rowland's killing, which is why he is being charged with first-degree murder.

KSDK-TV reports Shafer's estranged wife was in a relationship with Rowland.

Haine said in a statement, "This was a horrific and deliberate act of violence that has left an indelible mark on our community. Our goal is to send a clear message: those who conspire to commit murder, for any reason, will be caught, and will face severe consequences. We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the people of Madison County and ensure that victims and their loved ones receive the justice they deserve."

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