Police Say Septa Driver Killed in Murder For Hire Plot - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

"Oh Wow"

Neighbors were absolutely stunned to hear of the arrest of Desiree Arnett Hicks , the longtime live-in girlfriend of homicide victim Aaron Hayes Sr. in a murder for hire plot that has this whole community buzzing.

"Crazy neighborhood, cold world," said neighbor Sean Lewis. "I knew something was going on when I seen it."

Fox 29 News was there as Hicks wept openly after Hayes, her boyfriend of 17 years, was gunned down outside their home back on May 31st as he headed to work. Hayes was a veteran SEPTA trolley car driver. As he walked to his customized van, a gunman emerged and shot him execution style from behind. Police now say Desiree Hicks hired the gunman to kill her longtime boyfriend.

"I would have never imagined we were going down this road," said Homicide Capt. James Clark. "But because of the great work detectives did, we're gonna have closure." 

Homicide detectives are now searching for 31 year old Miguel Gonzalez, the trigger man they say carried out the early morning hit. He's described as a local auto mechanic who serviced the couple's two cars.

"He bragged a lot about being a tough guy. Said he did time in jail for murder which we found out he did not do.  She then goes to the mechanic and says my boyfriend wants me out of the house. I want him dead."

Just days after the homicide, police say Hicks focused on getting Hayes' customized van, his life insurance and his money.

"Miss hicks was trying desperately to get into the decedent's bank account to pay the hit man," Clark added.

"It's sad. Sad and shocking," Lewis said.