Plot to kidnap, kill, chop up body over woman sends SC man to prison

The Lancaster man who plotted to kidnap and kill a romantic rival last year was sentenced to 30 years in prison but will only serve three years after pleading guilty to attempted kidnapping and assault and battery.

Joseph Hegler, 20, was charged with attempted murder and attempted kidnapping in May of last year when he schemed to kill and abduct a man competing for the affections of Hegler’s former girlfriend.

In May 2014, Hegler, 19 at the time he was arrested, planned to shoot the victim, who he knew from school, cut him into pieces with an ax, then get rid of the body in a river. Hegler allegedly had plotted the abduction, torture and killing for at least two weeks, police said last year.

He had a machete and bags of concrete in his vehicle, police said, and was originally charged with attempted murder and attempted kidnapping. The murder charge was dropped down to the lesser charge of assault and battery as part of Hegler’s plea deal.

In court Tuesday morning, prosecutors asked that Hegler be sentenced to more than 30 years in prison in exchange for his Alford plea. In an Alford plea, the defendant accepts responsibility without admitting guilt.

Prosecutors said Hegler planned to torture and kill the other man. Hegler’s friend told police about the plot and then wore a wire to secretly record what Hegler was planning.

Hegler’s attorney, Mark Grier, argued the friend and informant “provoked” Hegler. He asked Judge Dan Hall to give Hegler probation.

Hegler said his actions were out of character. He asked the judge to “give (him) as little time (in prison) as possible,” and promised him he wouldn’t regret it.

Hall sentenced Hegler to 30 years, but suspended that to just three years. Prosecutors agreed to the suspension as long as Hegler served three years.

This story was originally published April 7, 2015 at 11:03 AM with the headline "Plot to kidnap, kill, chop up body over woman sends SC man to prison."