Robert Matthew Garner, 44, of Valparaiso, is facing a serious felony charge after authorities say he attempted to arrange the killing of a witness in his pending criminal case while incarcerated in the Porter County Jail.
Garner is charged in Porter County with conspiracy to commit murder following an investigation into an alleged plot that took place between March 1 and March 26, 2026.
According to court documents, Garner was being held in the Porter County Jail when he began communicating with another inmate about locating someone to kill a person he believed was responsible for his criminal charges. Over the course of multiple conversations, Garner allegedly escalated from wanting the individual intimidated to stating the person needed to be “gone.”
Investigators say Garner provided details about the intended target, including where the person lived, their place of employment, and security measures at their residence. Authorities later confirmed the information matched the intended victim. Court documents further allege Garner expressed indifference about potential harm to others in the home and suggested violent tactics, including the possibility of using explosives.
As the plan progressed, Garner allegedly offered payment in exchange for the killing, including $1,000 in cash and the title to a vehicle valued between $4,000 and $5,000. Authorities say he later arranged for $300 to be placed in a mailbox as an upfront payment toward the killing.
During recorded conversations, Garner allegedly confirmed he wanted the victim “gone” and provided instructions for retrieving the upfront money. Investigators later recovered the $300 from a mailbox at a Porter County residence.
When interviewed by investigators, Garner initially denied discussing his case with anyone. After being confronted with recorded communications, he admitted to discussing efforts to prevent the individual from testifying but claimed he only intended for the person to be scared and not harmed.
Authorities allege Garner knowingly agreed with another person to commit murder and took steps in furtherance of that plan, including arranging payment.
Garner remains lodged in the Porter County Jail.
Charge filed April 2,2026:
• Conspiracy to Commit Murder – Level 2 Felony
Pending Case:
Filed: March 12, 2026 – Porter County
Charges:
• Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl, >5g) – Level 2 Felony
• Possession of a Device or Substance Used to Interfere with a Drug or Alcohol Screening – Class B Misdemeanor
• Possession of Paraphernalia; Introducing a Controlled Substance into Body – Class C Misdemeanor