A man in custody for a murder in Las Vegas is now facing additional charges for three more killings, with police alleging he was hired as a hit man in a loan fraud scheme. Michael Coleman, 40, was arrested in May 2023 for the murder of Kidada Stewart and has now been linked to three other murders, all connected to a scheme involving threats and violence over unpaid debts.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Coleman, 40, arrested for the murder of Kidada Stewart, now faces three additional murder charges.
- Police allege Coleman was hired as a hit man by Carl Chester, who was involved in a loan fraud scheme.
- The murders are connected to threats and violence over unpaid debts related to fraudulent loans.
Background of the Case
Coleman was initially arrested for the murder of 48-year-old Kidada Stewart, whose body was found outside a home in May 2023. Police tracked Coleman to the scene through a traffic stop in Arizona shortly after the shooting. He was taken into custody following a standoff.
During the investigation, police uncovered a connection to Carl Chester, who allegedly defrauded the government through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Chester reportedly hired Coleman to eliminate individuals who owed him money from the fraudulent loans.
The Murders Linked to Coleman
The police have now connected Coleman to three additional murders:
- Benjamin McCarty (May 2021)
- Marcus Larry (November 2021)
- William Hill Jr. (November 2022)
Chester's Role and Fate
Carl Chester, the alleged mastermind behind the scheme, was murdered in May 2024 by members of Hill’s family in retaliation for the killings. Chester's actions not only led to the deaths of multiple individuals but also highlighted the violent lengths to which he would go to recover money owed to him.
Current Status of Coleman
Michael Coleman remains in custody with a bail set at $250,000. In addition to the four murder charges, he faces charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with a trial for the initial murder of Kidada Stewart scheduled to begin soon.
Sources
- Police: Man accused of 4 Las Vegas murders was hired hit man, KLAS 8 News Now.