A decade-old grudge and a catastrophic case of mistaken identity have culminated in life sentences for two Texas men involved in a cold-blooded murder-for-hire plot.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge David Hittner ordered Michael Seery, 43, of Katy, and Ricardo Obando Jr., 52, of Houston, to spend the rest of their lives in federal prison. The sentencing follows their convictions in February on multiple counts including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and various weapons charges.
The case dates back to the early morning of February 4, 2025. According to trial evidence, Obando ambushed a man during his morning commute on Highway 99, firing several shots into the victim’s vehicle using a 3D-printed firearm equipped with a silencer.
The victim was struck in the neck, torso, and hand. Despite the gravity of the injuries, the man survived and later provided harrowing testimony against his attackers.
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Investigations revealed a plot fueled by Seery’s obsession with a 12-year-old affair involving his wife while he was previously incarcerated. However, in a tragic twist of “faulty information,” the man Obando shot had no connection to the defendants or the affair. The actual intended target had moved out of the residence where Seery believed he lived.
“An innocent victim was ambushed by gunfire during his daily commute—all because of one man’s jealousy,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “No matter your role, if you conspire to commit an act of violence in the Southern District of Texas, we will hold you accountable.”
The eight-day trial featured damning evidence, including dashcam footage of the shooting and the subsequent 911 call. Prosecutors also presented cell phone data showing Obando had conducted extensive surveillance on the wrong man before the attack.
A search of Seery’s property uncovered the 3D printer used to manufacture the murder weapon and silencer, along with various other firearm parts.
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Defense attorneys argued there was a lack of direct evidence linking the men to the victim, but the jury rejected those claims after two days of deliberation.
“Michael Seery and Ricardo Obando Jr. showed total disregard for human life and put countless innocent bystanders at risk,” said FBI Houston Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson.
In addition to the life sentences, Judge Hittner assessed varying amounts of consecutive prison time for both men, ensuring they will never be released.
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