Louisville City Wire

Freddy Manuel Gonzalez and Xavior Caine Posey have been sentenced for their roles in a murder-for-hire scheme involving the use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Gonzalez received a 40-year sentence, while Posey was sentenced to 35 years. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division.

Bennett praised the efforts of the ATF and local law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, stating, "As a result of the strong working relationships that exist between our law enforcement partners, these violent defendants will now spend decades in federal prison." He emphasized that combating violent crime remains a priority for his office.

Morrow also commended those involved in bringing justice to this case, saying, "This senseless act of violence took a man from his family." He expressed hope that the sentences provide some closure to the victim's family and send a message about pursuing justice for violent crimes.

Court documents reveal that Gonzalez, 40, from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Posey, 26, from Logan County, Kentucky, orchestrated the murder on December 29 and 30, 2020. Gonzalez provided Posey with a firearm used to shoot the victim three times in Franklin, Kentucky. Following the murder, Posey returned to Bowling Green where he was paid by Gonzalez.

Additionally, Andy Martin Schmucker has pleaded guilty as an accessory after the fact to this crime and is awaiting sentencing on December 2, 2024.

The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including ATF and Franklin Police Department with assistance from various local sheriff’s offices and police departments across Kentucky. The prosecution team consisted of Assistant United States Attorneys Madison Sewell and David Weiser.

There is no parole available in the federal system for these convictions.