Woman pleads guilty to charges in criminal informant murder plot

Redena Hire faces up to 10 years in prison for her role in assisting Jason Bridges' attempt to kill a confidential informant.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small metal object related to the crime, such as a handgun magazine, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent wave of violent crimes involving confidential informants has exposed the need for stronger protections and accountability measures.Fort Wayne Today

Redena Hire, 54, pleaded guilty to charges related to a murder attempt on a criminal informant that involved two other people. Hire and 20-year-old Alexis Drake were both initially charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Assisting a Criminal for their roles in assisting Jason Bridges, who was found guilty by jury, in his attempt to murder the confidential informant who helped police arrest him for multiple drug-related charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences for those who assist in violent crimes, even if they did not directly carry out the act. It also underscores the risks faced by confidential informants who help law enforcement, and the need for strong protections for these individuals.

The details

According to court documents, police believe that Hire and Drake were involved in the conspiracy to commit murder. They claim Hire provided a place for the firearm and the potent drugs to be picked up, knowing the purpose for both, and facilitating communication between the parties. Hire pleaded guilty to dealing a schedule 1 controlled substance and assisting a criminal, while Bridges was found guilty by jury on March 27 of 13 Level 2 felonies, one Level 6 felony, and a habitual offender enhancement, which could potentially involve more than 100 years of jail time.

  • On March 27, Jason Bridges was found guilty by jury.
  • On April 14, 2026, Redena Hire pleaded guilty to her charges.
  • Hire's sentencing is scheduled for May 29.
  • Bridges' sentencing is scheduled for April 20.

The players

Redena Hire

A 54-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to charges related to a murder attempt on a criminal informant.

Alexis Drake

A 20-year-old woman who was initially charged alongside Hire for their roles in assisting Jason Bridges in his attempt to murder a confidential informant.

Jason Bridges

A man who was found guilty by jury on March 27 of 13 Level 2 felonies, one Level 6 felony, and a habitual offender enhancement, which could potentially involve more than 100 years of jail time, for his attempt to murder a confidential informant who helped police arrest him for multiple drug-related charges.

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What’s next

Hire's sentencing is scheduled for May 29, while Bridges' sentencing is scheduled for April 20.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences for those who assist in violent crimes, even if they did not directly carry out the act, and underscores the risks faced by confidential informants who help law enforcement, emphasizing the need for strong protections for these individuals.