Inside the Twisted Case of Man Who Plotted to Kill His Romantic Rival, Then Feed Body to Pigs

In a twisted and chilling case that shocked authorities, a New York man, Jeal Sutherland, concocted a murder-for-hire plot against his romantic rival, intending to feed the victim’s body to hogs. The elaborate scheme involved hiring hit men, FBI informants, and even sending a threatening message via a dead Canada goose on the victim’s doorstep.

The 57-year-old Sutherland pleaded guilty to using an interstate commerce facility in the murder-for-hire scheme, potentially facing a decade behind bars, according to a Justice Department press release. The victim was identified as the father of a child with Sutherland’s then-girlfriend, adding an even more sinister layer to the plot.

Sutherland not only hired a man to carry out the murder but also contacted someone he believed to be a Pennsylvania hog farmer to dispose of the victim’s remains by feeding them to animals. However, both the “farmer” and the potential hit men turned out to be FBI informants, uncovering Sutherland’s gruesome plans.

Prior to the planned murder, Sutherland went as far as instructing a man to place a dead Canada goose on the victim’s mother’s doorstep with a threatening message, demonstrating the extent of his vindictiveness. This act of intimidation was a precursor to the violent and heinous crime he was orchestrating.

This wasn’t the first time Sutherland targeted his romantic rival’s mother. Court documents revealed that he paid a man to set fire to her car, aiming to prevent her from testifying at a custody hearing. The complexity and brutality of Sutherland’s actions painted a dark and disturbing picture of his intentions.

The informant involved in the case began recording conversations with Sutherland, revealing chilling details of the planned killing. Sutherland initially mentioned his girlfriend’s desire to be part of the hit, including using violent methods, but later distanced himself from the crime, focusing on wanting proof of the victim’s death.

Following a series of recorded conversations and exchanges of items like cash and alcohol, Sutherland was arrested the next day and charged with using an interstate commerce facility in the murder-for-hire scheme. His guilty plea on May 14 marked a significant development in the case.

As the sentencing looms in September, Sutherland faces the possibility of a lengthy prison term, a substantial fine, and supervised release. The disturbing nature of this case, involving murder, hired killers, and feeding bodies to animals, has shaken the local community and law enforcement alike.

The intricate web of deceit, violence, and calculated malice woven by Jeal Sutherland highlights the harrowing lengths some individuals will go to settle personal scores. The FBI’s swift intervention and the bravery of informants were crucial in preventing a tragic and senseless loss of life in this twisted tale of betrayal and revenge.