Rutherford County Woman Charged in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

A Rutherfordton woman is facing felony charges after investigators say she was involved in an alleged plot to have her former partner kidnapped and the partner’s current boyfriend killed.

According to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, 52-year-old Shelly Houck Owensby of Rutherfordton has been charged with felony soliciting kidnapping and felony soliciting first-degree murder.

Investigators say the alleged plot involved Owensby’s former significant other and that person’s current partner. Authorities reported that $500 was exchanged in connection with the alleged scheme.

According to investigators, Owensby allegedly paid and agreed to have the former partner’s current partner killed while the former partner was to be kidnapped.

The investigation was conducted in Catawba County, although Owensby is identified as a Rutherford County resident.

Owensby is facing charges as a result of the investigation. The allegations have not been proven in court, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This remains an active investigation, and additional information may be released by authorities as the case moves forward.