By Jim Salter
The Associated Press
ST. LOUIS — A wife accused of setting up a hit on her husband 16 years ago told friends to kill her if she was ever indicted so her family could reap the insurance benefits, according to a criminal indictment unsealed Monday.
Karen Coleman, 54, of Arnold, and James Kornhardt, 49, of Dittmer, face one count each of conspiracy to commit murder for hire and murder for hire, according to the indictment.
It claimed that Karen Coleman wanted her husband Dan killed for insurance money and hired the since-deceased Larry Nolan to arrange the murder. Nolan allegedly recruited Kornhardt, a firefighter in south St. Louis County, to kill Dan Coleman.
Karen Coleman collected at least $60,000 from her husband’s employer and insurance policies after Dan Coleman’s body was found in his burning pickup in October 1992. His body was badly burned, but authorities said he died from blows to the head and face.
The indictment also said she asked friends to kill her if she was charged, to allow a son and grandson to receive insurance benefits.
Federal authorities would not discuss details of the case or say what prompted the arrests 16 years after the crime.
Kornhardt has been a firefighter for the Mehlville Fire Protection District in south St. Louis County for 16 years and has served as vice president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1889.
He has been placed on unpaid administrative leave following his arrest, said Mark Woolbright, second district vice president of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
Both suspects were in jail Monday and unavailable for comment. A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice did not know whether they had attorneys.
“The defendants are alleged to have gone to great efforts over a long period of time to conceal this murder,” U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway said. “This indictment shows that law enforcement will not give up on the cause of justice.”
Both could face up to life in prison if convicted. A detention hearing was scheduled for Tuesday for both suspects.