Stephanie Russell: Kentucky doctor accused of murder-for-hire plot apparently consulted healer to cast 'death spell' on ex-husband

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY: A former Norton Commons doctor, Stephanie Russell, facing federal charges for an alleged murder-for-hire plot against her ex-husband, apparently attempted to put a "death spell" on him.

Her defense is actively asserting that she was in a "delusional" state, acting under an "extreme emotional disturbance" due to concerns for her children's safety at the time of the purported crime and recently introduced text messages sent by Russell to a Brazilian "spiritual healer" in an attempt to support their argument, as per WDRB. 

Stephanie Russell's disturbing request for a 'death spell' revealed in shocking messages

In the messages, dated April 22, 2022, Russell inquired about the cost and specifics of a "death spell" for her ex-husband, asking if a sacrifice would be involved.

"It's a death spell, my dear, not a love spell. I can't provide you with specific details, but I will handle your request," apparently responded the healer, as stated in records filed in US District Court in February. 

The purported healer, who guaranteed a 100% success rate or promised to return the fees, then inquired if Russell had a preference for the type of death, asking, "accident, death in bed, heart attack, or??" Russell expressed her indifference, providing the woman with her ex-husband's name and a photo.

Defense alleges mental disturbance as doctor faces trial for murder-for-hire plot

Russell's defense contends that her mental condition rendered her unable to attain the culpable state of mind required by the criminal charges. They point to her increasing delusions surrounding her belief that her two children had been neglected or abused by her estranged husband.

Scheduled for trial on April 22, the doctor stands accused of contacting an undercover FBI agent, posing as a hitman, and agreeing to pay $7,000 for her ex-husband's murder. She allegedly left a partial payment of $3,500 outside her medical office in a dropbox, with an agreement to pay the remaining sum after the deed was done.

Court records reveal that in 2019, a detective investigating child abuse allegations reported by Russell uncovered a potential murder-for-hire plot. The divorce between Russell and her ex-husband was finalized in 2020, with the affidavit detailing disturbing text messages and conversations between the doctor and witnesses.

The FBI's involvement began in March 2022, when a private investigator referred the case, revealing that Russell had approached two nurses at her workplace between July 2021 and March 2022, asking each of them for assistance in killing her ex-husband.

If convicted, Russell could face up to 10 years in federal prison.