Man says he was hired to kill 23-year-old woman

A 25-year-old man told police he was hired to kill a 23-year-old woman who was found dead in a Clovis park, according to a criminal complaint released Wednesday.

Matthew Jennings told authorities someone wanted revenge against Ariel Ulibarri, although it wasn't clear who, KOB-TV reported. The complaint said Jennings did not know Ulibarri.

Clovis police said Jennings confessed Tuesday to the stabbing death of Ulibarri. Authorities say investigators matched DNA from the state crime lab to the murder weapon found at the scene.

According to the complaint, Jennings admitted to swinging the knife as hard as he could into her chest at the Goodwin Lake Trails Walking Park. Before striking her, he said she told him, "don't do it, don't do it, because I have an older brother who will kick your (expletive)."

Jennings said Ulibarri's 6-year-old son took off toward the parking lot after being told to "run," the complaint said. The suspect also showed detectives a scar on his hand, which he reportedly claimed was from the stabbing, according to the complaint.

Ulibarri's body was discovered Nov. 9. Authorities say her son was found wandering in the parking lot. He wasn't injured.

Police say officers patrol the 40-acre park but have had very few trouble calls.

Authorities say Jennings will be charged with tampering with evidence.

It was not known if he had an attorney.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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