LAS VEGAS, NV – Law enforcement authorities in Las Vegas have linked an incarcerated man to three additional murders, suspecting his role as a hired killer for a loan fraud scam targeting debtors. Michael Coleman, 40, already in custody for a 2023 murder, has been charged with three additional open murders.
Coleman was first arrested in May 2023 for the murder of Kidada Stewart, 48, for which he faces several charges, including first-degree murder. He was tracked down following a traffic stop in Arizona, a mere 12 hours after Stewart was found dead outside a Southwest Valley home.
Investigations led police to Carl Chester, who was allegedly involved in defrauding the government through multiple Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Chester and his associates reportedly divided the funds amongst themselves, with a certain percentage designated as Chester’s cut for orchestrating the loan.
According to officials, Chester enlisted Coleman to execute those who failed to remit his share of the loan money. If unable to reach the targeted individuals, Coleman would allegedly target their family members. Both Chester and Coleman reportedly utilized physical and electronic surveillance to track their victims.
While in custody, police connected Coleman to three more murders. The victims, Benjamin McCarty,49; Marcus Larry, 39; and William Hill Jr., 54, were all reportedly part of this deadly plot orchestrated by Chester. Police clarified that Hill’s murder was directly linked to his son’s involvement in PPP loan fraud.
Police reports say that Chester was subsequently murdered in March 2024 in retaliation by members of Hill’s family. Coleman remains in custody with bail set at $250,000. Additional charges, including attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, have been filed against him.