Waco, TX – A Texas man is facing serious charges after investigators say he attempted to recruit friends to help him kill the mother of his child’s new boyfriend — and needed a ride and gas money to carry out the plan.
According to authorities, 19-year-old Hugo Carlin allegedly expressed a clear intention to commit a violent attack but lacked transportation to reach the intended victim. The incident ultimately ended in multiple arrests after a traffic stop revealed several firearms inside a vehicle connected to the plot.
Suspect Allegedly Sought Ride to Commit Murder
Investigators say Carlin had been discussing plans to attack the woman connected to his child’s mother’s new boyfriend, telling acquaintances he needed help getting to her location. According to an arrest affidavit reviewed by a local outlet, Carlin texted 22-year-old Elian Araujo asking for assistance.
In one message, Carlin wrote:
“I need gas money bro.”
Another message read:
“I’m not playing,”
followed by a threat to “smoke” the victim.
Authorities said these messages reflect what they described as the suspect’s “desire to commit murder,” prompting him to enlist others for transportation and support.
Traffic Stop Unravels the Alleged Plot
On September 15, Araujo picked Carlin up along with three other individuals, police said. Among them was 21-year-old Misael Jiminez. The group traveled through Waco until officers stopped their vehicle near Franklin Avenue and South 5th Street for a traffic violation.
A police officer reported seeing five firearms inside the vehicle. One minor had two guns tucked into his waistband, while Carlin was allegedly carrying a semiautomatic rifle with “an extremely high capacity of very deadly ammunition,” the affidavit states.
Additional officers responded to detain the group. During interviews, one suspect reportedly told investigators that Carlin had been planning to confront his child’s mother’s new boyfriend, providing further confirmation of the alleged motive.
Charges Filed Against Multiple Men
Carlin has been charged with soliciting someone to commit murder and is being held in the McLennan County Jail on $250,000 bail.
Araujo and Jiminez are each charged with criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, according to court records. They are also being held on $250,000 bail.
Police said the text thread reviewed in the investigation supports the account that Araujo picked Carlin up to help him “in the commission of the criminal offense of murder and/or aggravated assault.”
One person in the vehicle was not charged after fully cooperating with law enforcement, according to a report from a local TV station.
Growing Concerns Over Youth Violence and Firearms
The incident highlights broader concerns law enforcement has about access to high-powered weapons among young people. Officers discovered multiple firearms among the group, including weapons in the possession of a minor. Cases involving threats related to personal disputes or relationships have been increasing nationwide, according to recent law enforcement briefings.
Local authorities continue to urge families and community members to report concerning behaviour early — especially when minors or young adults are involved with firearms or making violent threats.
What Happens Next in the Case
Prosecutors will now review digital evidence, including text messages, weapons seized, and statements from the individuals in the vehicle. If convicted, Carlin could face significant prison time due to the severity of the solicitation charge and the presence of a firearm.
Court dates for Carlin, Araujo, and Jiminez are expected to be set in the coming weeks. Additional interviews and forensic reviews of the weapons recovered may also shape the direction of the case.
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