Secrets spill out about CHP captain who ‘hired Napa Valley hitman to kill husband’ before shooting herself
Former California Highway Patrol Captain Julie Harding is accused of hiring a hitman, Thomas O'Donnell, to kill her husband, Michael Harding, before dying by suicide in Tennessee shortly after O'Donnell's arrest. Retired sergeant Brian Wittmer testified that Harding exhibited erratic behavior, lost weight, and made personal disclosures in the months leading up to her husband's murder. Testimony and phone records have linked Harding to O'Donnell, with investigators using call data to build their case.
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Metro Secrets spill out about CHP captain who ‘hired Napa Valley hitman to kill husband’ before shooting herself By Ross O'Keefe Published April 30, 2026, 10:36 a.m. ET A former California Highway Police captain who allegedly had a hitman kill her husband behaved erratically and slimmed down before her partner’s murder. Retired sergeant Brian Wittmer, testifying at the trial of alleged Napa hitman Thomas O’Donnell, said Wednesday in a Kentucky court Capt. Julie Harding acted differently towards the end of their 3.5 years as co-workers. He said Harding lost weight, acted erratically and shared more about her personal life, according to KCRA. 4 Former California Highway Patrol Capt. Julie Harding is accused of hiring a hitman to kill her husband.
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