A brother and sister from Clinton were sentenced today for orchestrating a murder-for-hire scheme targeting their stepfather in an attempt to collect life insurance proceeds.

Joshua Druid Bryan, 29, received a 120-month prison sentence after being found guilty at trial of conspiracy to commit murder for hire and murder for hire. His sister, Regan Emily Bryan, 30, was sentenced to 65 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire.

According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, the siblings sought to hire a hitman to carry out the murder. Their actions were uncovered through an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Matthew Allen prosecuted the case.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a nationwide program aimed at reducing violent crime and fostering safer communities. Launched in 2021, the program emphasizes collaboration among law enforcement agencies, support for community-based violence prevention efforts, and strategic enforcement priorities.

“The sentences in this case reflect the commitment of law enforcement to hold accountable those who plot violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Gee. “The successful prosecution is a testament to the collaborative efforts of PSN and the ATF in ensuring justice and community safety.”