Man admits asking officer to kill wife

RENO -- A 50-year-old father of six has admitted asking an undercover detective to kill his wife who lives in Utah.

James Gau of Reno pleaded guilty in Washoe District Court to one count of solicitation to commit murder and faces two to 15 years in prison at his February sentencing.

Deputy District Attorney Bruce Hahn said Gau remained free on bail following Friday's court appearance.

Detectives said Gau told an officer posing as the hit man that he was gay and wanted to be with his new boyfriend. They said Gau had moved to Reno in the last several weeks after separating from his wife and telling her he wanted to live with his boyfriend.

For weeks, police said, Gau tried to recruit people to kill his wife before meeting in July with the undercover officer and giving the officer a picture of his wife with their six children and her address.