Santa Ana man charged with trying to have his ex-wife killed

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # TBA: December 23, 2013

MAN CHARGED WITH SOLICITING MURDER OF EX-WIFE DURING CHILD SUPPORT AND CUSTODY BATTLE

SANTA ANA – A man has been charged with soliciting the murder of his ex-wife during the pendency of child support and custody family court hearings. William John Wallace, 33, Santa Ana, is charged with one felony count of attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation, and two felony counts of solicitation to commit murder. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison. The People will request Wallace be held without bail at his arraignment today, Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.

Wallace is accused of being divorced from Jane Doe, with whom he shared a child. In 2013, the former couple was engaged in a child support and custody battle.

In August 2013, Wallace is accused of hiring a private investigator to try and find negative information about the victim that could be used against her in court, where child support payments would be decided. Beginning in September 2013, the defendant is accused of telling the private investigator that he wanted Jane Doe to be killed.

In October 2013, Wallace is accused of asking the private investigator if he knew of anyone who would murder Jane Doe and dispose of her body. The private investigator reported the solicitation to police.

On Dec. 21, 2013, Wallace is accused of meeting an undercover detective from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), whom he believed to be a man who could facilitate the murder. The defendant is accused of offering to pay $30,000 for the murder of Jane Doe and showing the undercover detective a photograph of the victim so that she could be identified. Wallace is accused of asking that the murder take place after Dec. 23, 2013, as he would be leaving the country for Christmas.

OCSD investigated this case and Senior Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown of the Felony Panel is prosecuting this case.

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Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney 401 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami Spokesperson Office: 714-347-8405 Cell: 714-323-4486