An American woman hired as a hitwoman, who attempted to shoot a man at point-blank range in Birmingham, has been found guilty of conspiracy to murder.
Aimee Betro, a would-be assassin from West Allis, Wisconsin, travelled to the UK in 2019 as part of a plot to kill Sikander Ali. The court heard that her co-conspirators were involved in a feud with Mr Ali's family.
During the trial at Birmingham Crown Court, jurors were told that Betro disguised herself when she tried to shoot Mr Ali on Measham Grove, Yardley. However, her gun jammed, allowing him to flee the scene unharmed.
The Verdict ⚖️
Jurors deliberated for almost 21 hours before finding Betro guilty of conspiracy to murder, possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and illegally importing ammunition.
The defendant, who wore a purple T-shirt with her hair in space buns, showed no obvious reaction and stared at the jury bench as the verdicts were delivered.
She was found guilty by majority verdicts on the conspiracy to murder and firearms charges, and by a unanimous decision on the ammunition charge.
