New Hampshire man acquitted in failed murder for hire plot

NEWPORT, N.H. — A New Hampshire man charged in a failed murder-for-hire plot involving his ex-wife has been acquitted.

The Valley News reports jurors on Tuesday found 64-year-old Maurice Temple not guilty of criminal solicitation of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and attempt to commit murder.

Temple and his mother, 83-year-old Pauline Chase, were arrested in July after the supposed hit man, Mark Horne, went to police and agreed to secretly record phone and video conversations. Chase was found not competent to stand trial.

Prosecutors say Temple owed his ex-wife, Jean Temple, money after their divorce and was in favour of arranging to have her killed.

Temple’s lawyer claims her client was set up by Horne and Jean Temple.

Prosecutors say they’re disappointed with the outcome.