Authorities have arrested Darshan R. Soni, a 44-year-old Indian-origin man, on charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder following a disturbing months-long plan to kill his wife that allegedly involved poisoning, staging a break-in, and a murder-for-hire scheme.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Hamilton County, Indiana, Soni enlisted the help of an employee, Ken Cox, to carry out the crime. The initial plan reportedly involved poisoning his wife, but after the attempt failed, Soni is accused of devising a staged home invasion on May 16, 2025, during which the murder was intended to occur.
The case came to light after a tipster alerted law enforcement, citing alarming conversations with Soni, including inquiries about how to acquire a firearm silencer and comments suggesting an interest in committing multiple crimes. The tipster also reported witnessing Soni retrieve a wig, believed to be part of a disguise.
Under legal counsel, Cox later cooperated with authorities and admitted that Soni offered him money and a used vehicle—a silver Ford Escape—to aid in the crime and help create an alibi by transporting Soni’s phone to a different location.
Court documents revealed chilling details. The victim, whose identity remains protected, told investigators she had experienced unexplained health issues and discovered a white, clumpy substance in a smoothie that Soni dismissed as detergent residue. Cox confirmed that Soni had mentioned ordering poison, possibly Thallium or Valium, from India, but complained it had been ineffective.
On May 15, Cox, wearing a police wire, met with Soni, who appeared to distance himself from the plan, suggesting Cox had talked him “off a ledge.” Nonetheless, Soni reportedly continued to talk about philosophies on violence and referenced other detailed murder cases, indicating ongoing internal conflict.
Soni was arrested following a coordinated investigation by Carmel Police and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. He faces one count of attempted murder (a Level 1 felony) and one count of conspiracy to commit murder (a Level 2 felony). His court appearance was scheduled for May 22, 2025.
The victim has been notified and is receiving support. According to reports, she expressed disbelief and had initially described Soni as innocent. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is urged to contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.