Two men from Texas, Dustin Adlai Yates and Brad Michael McKinney, have been arrested for allegedly planning to kidnap, rape, and kill Yates’ ex-girlfriend. Authorities say the men exchanged 741 messages discussing their plans for the attack. The messages reportedly included disturbing conversations about McKinney’s skills as a sniper, what type of bullets would cause the most pain, and using disguises like a UPS or pizza delivery worker to ambush the victim.
Yates allegedly sent the woman threatening messages, including one where he said, “I wonder what your expiration date is,” and another saying, “I think it’s soon.” He also allegedly warned her, “You have a very predictable schedule and daily driving routes.”
Yates had been in a relationship with the woman until she broke up with him in late 2022 and blocked his phone number and email. In 2023, she filed a family violence report with the police, and Yates was warned not to contact her. However, Yates reportedly continued to reach out to her, sending a series of emails in October 2024. In these messages, he allegedly told her, “I’d be vigilant if I were you” and “You were a busy girl in 22.”
Yates was arrested on December 27, 2024, for stalking. During his interview with police, he admitted to running background checks on the woman and said he wanted her to feel scared. He also claimed he had no intention to kill her, stating that if he wanted to, he would have done it months ago.
Police obtained a search warrant to check Yates’ phone, which revealed his communications with McKinney. The two men allegedly discussed a plan to kidnap and murder the victim, with Yates paying McKinney $1,300 to gather information about her. They also reportedly talked about paying McKinney up to $15,000 to film the abduction and murder.
When McKinney was arrested and interviewed by police, he admitted to taking money from Yates to track the woman’s movements, but he downplayed his role in the plan. Both men are now facing serious charges for their actions.
