Chesapeake, Va. - The man accused of hiring a fellow sailor to kill his estranged wife appeared in court Wednesday morning.
Cory Abshire, 27, of Norfolk, was arraigned in Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
The other suspect in the case, Marcus Hofferber, 26, of Virginia Beach, was arraigned Tuesday.
Both are charged with First-Degree Murder, Conspiracy and Armed Burglary in the death of Rachel Abshire, 26.
Police say the victim’s husband, Cory Abshire, arranged to have her killed, making a deal to pay Hofferber money.
According to police, Hofferber went to the victim’s apartment in Chesapeake in the early hours of January 19, 2013, and stabbed her.
Police say her step-father found her Sunday morning. He had been watching her two children and grew concerned when he didn't hear from her.
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One of her neighbors says her heart sank when she realized why police were there.
"Detective said can we ask some questions and you know my heart just kind of stopped, thinking the worst of course," said the neighbor, who asked not to be identified.
Though she didn't know her well, she says the 26-year-old was always friendly.
"About a year ago, I went into labor and my car wouldn't start so my husband knocked on her door, asking if she could help us to jump our car and she didn't even hesitate to help, she was just very nice."
According to Navy officials, both suspects are Fire Controlmen, though they work at different bases.
According to LCDR Bill Urban, Naval Surface Force Atlantic PAO, Cory Abshire is a Sailor assigned to the USS Porter. He's been there since May 2012. Previously he was assigned to the USS Eisenhower and USS Carl Vinson. He joined the Navy in May 2005 and is originally from Jupiter, Fl.
Hofferber is assigned to the Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit at Dam Neck in Virginia Beach. He's been there since February of 2012. One of his positions was an instructor, teaching weapons systems maintenance. He joined the Navy in 2005 and is from Fort Worth, Texas.
Both men are currently being held in the Chesapeake City Jail. Abshire is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing in February; Hofferber's hearing is set for March.
