They claimed that she had concocted a complicated plan to kill someone to get the “heat off” her in an unrelated murder case in Lincoln County.

Officials said they believe Hupp lured Gumpenberger, of St. Charles, into her SUV with claims that she was a producer with NBC’s “Dateline” show who wanted help reenacting a 911 call.

Once at her house, they say Hupp called 911, shouted repeatedly for help and said she would not get into her purported attacker’s vehicle. Then she allegedly shot Gumpenberger.

When police arrived, Hupp told them Gumpenberger had tried to kidnap her to get “Russ’ money,” but police believe Hupp faked the plot to make them believe that she was targeted by Russell Faria.