Plea expected in murder-for-hire case

A Stuarts Draft man will appear in court for a plea hearing today on charges stemming from his alleged attempt to hire a hitman to kill his ex-wife and her boyfriend.

Microphones recorded and video cameras watched as Thomas J. Laguardia Sr., 57, met the hitman in a Verona parking lot to discuss payment for the murders of Kerry Egnor and her boyfriend, Frank Kemo, according to testimony. What Laguardia didn’t know eventually ensnared him: The hitman was an undercover officer working with the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.

Tipped by an informant, investigators arranged for Laguardia to meet Sgt. Josh Sholes twice before local and federal officers arrested Laguardia on Feb. 4, according to testimony.

According to testimony by Sholes:

During a Feb. 3 meeting in a Verona parking lot, Laguardia asked for the potential victims to be shot, either while driving or while at home. Laguardia was to check himself into the hospital, faking a stroke, to create an alibi.

Laguardia agreed to a $700 fee, with $200 to be paid before the murders, Sholes said. The Stuarts Draft man paid in $20 bills and Sholes told him the murders would happen the following day.

Each of two solicitation to commit murder charges carries a five- to 40-year prison sentence. Attempted capital murder charges carry a potential life sentence.

County records show Laguardia and Egnor separated in 2005 and divorced in 2006 after a 34-year marriage. Laguardia remains barred from contact with his son, his daughter, Egnor and Kemo. Egnor and her daughter work in the Augusta County courts system.

Despite numerous bond requests, Laguardia has been held at Middle River Regional Jail in Verona.