Man imprisoned for murder for hire

NASHUA, N.H. -- A man was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for his role in a New Hampshire murder-for-hire plot prosecutors say was hatched by a Las Vegas millionaire.

Joseph Vrooman was one of five men charged in connection with the death of 57-year-old Jack Reid in 2005. Prosecutors said Vrooman got rid of the murder weapon. Vrooman is the second to plead guilty in connection with Reid's death.

Vrooman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit capital murder and hindering apprehension. He has agreed to testify at the trial of John Brooks, the Las Vegas millionaire prosecutors accuse of masterminding the killing.

Vrooman will be given a minimum sentence of 171/2 years. Prosecutors said he was offered $10,000 by Brooks to participate in Reid's killing.

In court, Vrooman said that he and the others involved in the plot knew that the plan was to kill Reid when they arrived at a house in Deerfield, N.H., where police said Reid was killed.

Prosecutors said Vrooman disposed of a pair of handcuffs and a hammer, which is alleged to be the murder weapon.

Michael Benton already has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Brooks could face the death penalty if convicted of capital murder. His trial is scheduled for August.

Brooks' son, Jesse Brooks, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Co-defendant Robin Knight has been indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit murder and one count of accomplice to first-degree murder.