Carmel, Indiana— Darshan R. Soni, a 44-year-old Indian-American businessman, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to murder, allegedly plotting to kill his wife, Aparna Soni. The plan, which unfolded over several months, involved attempts to poison her and solicitations to employees for assistance in carrying out the murder.
Key Facts:
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Date of Arrest: May 16, 2025.
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Charges: Attempted murder (Level 1 felony) and conspiracy to commit murder (Level 2 felony).
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Alleged Methods: Poisoning via smoothies and staging a break-in to execute the murder.
The investigation began on May 12, 2025, when the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department received an anonymous tip that Soni had expressed intentions to have his wife killed and had solicited help from an employee. The tipster reported that Soni had inquired about obtaining a silencer and had discussed committing additional crimes.
According to court documents, Soni's wife, Aparna, experienced unusual symptoms, including nerve pain and thyroid issues, after consuming smoothies that had a salty taste and contained a white clumpy substance.
Soni allegedly dismissed her concerns, attributing the taste to dishwashing detergent.
Further investigation revealed that Soni had discussed his plans with an employee, Ken Cox, offering him money and a used car to assist in the murder and provide an alibi.
Cox cooperated with the police, wearing a recording device during conversations with Soni, and disclosed that Soni had ordered poison from India and had been reading about murder methods.
Do You Know? Thallium, a highly toxic substance with no taste or smell, has historically been used in poisonings due to its potency and difficulty in detection.
Key Terms:
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Attempted Murder (Level 1 Felony): An unsuccessful act of intentionally trying to kill another person, considered one of the most serious criminal offenses.
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Conspiracy to Commit Murder (Level 2 Felony): An agreement between two or more parties to engage in a plan to kill someone, even if the murder does not occur.
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Probable Cause Affidavit: A sworn statement by law enforcement outlining the evidence and reasons for an arrest or search warrant.