Man accused of hiring hitman, buying ‘radioactive substance’ to poison roommate

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Federal court documents show a North Carolina man went online to hire a hitman to poison another man.

Authorities say 26-year-old Bryant Riyanto Budi of Matthews is charged with one count of using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. He was arrested last Friday.

Local news sources cite an affidavit from Christopher Nasca of the Department of Homeland Security which said Budi went online to hire a hit man to kill another man he said “has been making my life a living hell and extorting me for a year now.” Budi actually exchanged online messages and phone texts with undercover agents.

Authorities said Budi also arranged to buy a radioactive substance, which he had shipped to the home of a friend, and sprinkle it on the man’s food.