A Pennsylvania teacher murdered in front of her son was the subject of a months-long murder plot orchestrated by her boyfriend’s ex-lover.
According to police, Rachel King, 35, who was tragically shot in front of her 11-year-old son at a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru lane, was the victim of a meticulously planned murder-for-hire plot.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office announced the arrest of Zakkee Alhakim, 33, and Julie Jean, 34, in connection with King’s death. They are both facing charges of first and third-degree murder, conspiracy, and other offenses.
The tragic incident occurred on April 11 around 7:30 a.m. when Alhakim fatally shot King while her son was seated in the backseat of her car.
Investigators have determined that Jean had been plotting King’s murder for several months, enlisting the assistance of Alhakim. The motive behind the plot originated from Jean’s previous affair with King’s boyfriend, William Hayes, which ended last year. Despite the termination of the relationship, Jean allegedly continued to harass the couple through text messages and calls, leading Hayes to obtain a protection order against her.
The investigation revealed that Jean and Alhakim communicated and met several times before the murder. Incriminating evidence, including a photo montage of King and a Google map screenshot of her apartment, were discovered on Alhakim’s phone.
During the investigation, authorities learned that Jean had deleted nearly 800 text messages with Alhakim just minutes before her police interview on April 12. Surveillance footage linked the two suspects to a silver Mercury Sable, seen at the shooting scene and near King’s home before her death.
On the day of the incident, Alhakim parked the sedan outside the Dunkin’ Donuts, approached King’s car, and fired several shots through the driver’s side window before fleeing the scene. Responding officers recovered six fired cartridge casings.
Both Alhakim and Jean are currently in custody and have been denied bail.
