John Green, formerly known as Ted Maher, was convicted in 2025 for soliciting the murder of his wife, Dr. Kim Lark, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Green had a history of deception, including a 2002 conviction for arson resulting in the death of a billionaire in Monaco. Green and Kim married in 2020 but their relationship deteriorated amid financial fraud and theft, including Green stealing Kim's highly trained search and rescue dogs. While jailed for forgery and larceny, Green allegedly plotted with his cellmate Greg Markham to murder Kim by poisoning her with fentanyl-laced water, threatening her dogs to coerce her compliance. Markham testified against Green, who denied the charges. Green was sentenced to 9 years with time served. Kim remains fearful of Green upon his release and keeps protective dogs and a shotgun.
Country: United States
State/Province: New Mexico, United States
City/Region: Carlsbad
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Married
Relationship Duration: Approximately 3 years (marriage)
Incident Date: June 13, 2023
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How the relationship or connection began.
Approximately 3 years (marriage)
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2023-06-13
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
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48 Hours - USA · Original language: English
The Man with Two Names | Full Episode + Post Mortem
Domestic Violence
The relationship between John Green and Kim Lark involved deception, financial fraud, and escalating domestic conflict culminating in a solicitation to commit murder. The pattern includes betrayal, theft of valued pets, and threats of lethal violence, reflecting coercive control and jealousy within a deteriorating marriage.
Authorities arrested John Green for forgery and larceny related to theft of Kim Lark's dogs. Investigation uncovered a murder-for-hire plot involving cellmate Greg Markham, who testified against Green. Evidence included jail calls and a diagram of the victim's home. Green was convicted and sentenced to 9 years. The case involved complex international history and prior convictions.
Conflicting narratives about Green's past, including his identity as Ted Maher and the circumstances of the Monaco fire. Defense argued Markham's testimony was unreliable and that knowledge of the house layout came from innocent conversations. Green denied solicitation charges, claiming he was framed.
Ted Maher, convicted in Monaco for arson causing deaths, later assumed the name John Green. He married Kim Lark in 2020. Their marriage deteriorated amid financial fraud and theft. Green stole Kim's valuable dogs and was arrested. While jailed, he allegedly solicited cellmate Markham to murder Kim. An inmate's letter to Kim led to investigation and Markham's testimony. Green was convicted in 2025. Kim remains cautious and protective.
High risk due to history of deception, prior serious criminal convictions, escalating threats, and actual solicitation of murder. The victim remains fearful of future harm.
Early signs included deception about identity and military service, financial fraud, theft of valued pets, and escalating threats. The case illustrates the danger of coercive control and the importance of protective measures for victims. Jailhouse informants can be critical in uncovering solicitation plots.
Deception about identity and military service, financial fraud, theft of pets, and threats to harm the victim or her dogs.
Jailhouse conversations, forged checks, stolen dogs, and a diagram of the victim's home drawn by the cellmate.
Testimony of cellmate Greg Markham, jail call recordings, bank security footage, and recovery of stolen dogs.
Greg Markham testified about the murder plot. Kim Lark described theft and threats. An inmate sent a letter warning Kim. Police and FBI retiree Abel Pena assisted in dog recovery.
Follow-up reports confirmed Green's conviction and detailed the murder solicitation plot. No new contradictory information was reported.
Uncertainty remains about the full truth of the Monaco fire and Green's true past. The extent of Green's intent and involvement in all alleged crimes is disputed by him.