Texas police uncover murder-for-hire plot during 'Grinch crime spree' investigation
03/06/2025 12:07 pm PST
PLANO, Texas (TCN) -- An investigation into a series of thefts led to the discovery of a murder-for-hire plot, and a detective recently received an award for his role in solving the case.
According to the Plano Police Department, on Dec. 28, 2023, officers responded to a car burglary near Los Rios and East Park boulevards, where they discovered other vehicles had been burglarized. Detective C. McEntire noticed a crime trend with a "sudden increase in motor vehicle burglaries and package thefts," which the department characterized as a "Grinch crime spree."
McEntire and other investigators uncovered other pieces of evidence and obtained surveillance footage of the same male suspect stealing packages or trying to break into cars. McEntire determined the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Michael McCloud, might have been in the area visiting relatives during the holiday season.
On Jan. 2, 2024, authorities identified McCloud’s fingerprint at the crime scene. McEntire learned the suspect went to a local restaurant regularly, so nearly two weeks later, McEntire approached him and the two began talking. McCloud allegedly "mentioned needing a firearm silencer to 'take care of his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend,' explicitly stating his intent" to kill her. McEntire reportedly implied that he knew someone who could help carry out the killing, and McCloud gave him his contact information.
According to police, McEntire had an undercover agent meet with McCloud on Feb. 13, 2024, and authorities arrested him. Officers said McCloud was connected to at least six burglary of motor vehicle incidents and multiple mail thefts.
In an update, police said they recovered a stolen package with a "charming cat shirt" and returned it to its rightful owner.
On Feb. 10, McCloud pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of murder-for hire. In a March 4 news release, police said McEntire received a Meritorious Service Award for his work in the case. According to KDFW-TV, McEntire is a 24-year veteran with the Plano Police Department.
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