If you were scrolling through Facebook back in 2011, you probably didn't think a status update or a casual message could lead to a decade in prison. But for Christine Metter, that is exactly what happened. It’s one of those stories that feels like a Lifetime movie script, only it’s entirely real and happened in the suburbs of Ohio. People still search for where is christine metter now because the case was so bizarre—a father-daughter duo trying to off an ex-husband over a custody battle.
Honestly, the "Facebook Hitman" case, as the tabloids loved to call it, remains a textbook example of how a messy divorce can spiral into a criminal conspiracy.
The Short Answer: Where is Christine Metter Now?
Basically, Christine Metter is a free woman. After being sentenced to 10 years in prison back in early 2012, she served her time in the Ohio prison system. Specifically, she was incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women. Her release was scheduled for 2021, and she has since moved back into a life away from the headlines.
While she’s out, her life is radically different than it was before the arrest. She lost custody of her four daughters during the legal battle. Her ex-husband, David Metter, moved away from the Ohio area to Georgia and eventually remarried. In a twist that many find moving, David's new wife, Loni, ended up legally adopting the girls.
It's a stark contrast. On one side, a woman trying to rebuild after a decade behind bars. On the other, a family that moved on and found peace thousands of miles away.
How a Facebook "Joke" Turned Into a 10-Year Sentence
To understand where is christine metter now, you have to look at the mess that landed her there. It started with a vent session. Christine was complaining about David on Facebook to an old high school friend, Patrick Sabo.
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Sabo, maybe trying to be edgy or just sarcastic, replied with something like, "Why don't you just hire a hitman? LMAO."
Most people would stop there. Christine didn't.
She took the bait. Or rather, she turned the joke into a business proposal. She and her father, Al Zombory, met with Sabo at a restaurant. They weren't just blowing off steam; they brought $3,000 as a down payment on a $50,000 "contract." Sabo, realizing this wasn't a joke anymore, went straight to the Eastlake Police.
The Sting That Changed Everything
The police didn't waste time. They set up an undercover officer named "Vinny" to pose as the hitman. In June 2011, the trap was sprung.
- The Meeting: Christine and Al met "Vinny" in a car.
- The "Proof": The officer showed them a photoshopped image of David Metter with a simulated gunshot wound to the head.
- The Reaction: Instead of horror, the recordings captured a cold exchange. Christine famously asked if it looked like a mugging.
- The Arrest: Police swarmed the vehicle immediately after the confirmation.
The Legal Fallout and Life in Prison
When the case hit the Lake County Common Pleas Court, the defense tried to argue that it was all just a big misunderstanding or that Christine was under the thumb of her father. The jury didn't buy it. In January 2012, she was convicted of conspiracy to commit aggravated murder.
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She got the maximum: 10 years.
Her father, Al Zombory, also received a lengthy sentence. Unlike Christine, Al did not live to see the end of his term; he died while in state custody. This adds a layer of personal loss to Christine’s story—by the time she was released, the father who helped her plot the crime was gone.
What Happened to the Rest of the Family?
While we're looking at where is christine metter now, the "now" for her ex-husband is much more settled. David Metter has been vocal in true-crime documentaries, like Dateline NBC and Oxygen's Murder for Hire, about the trauma of seeing a photo of his own "dead" body.
He has spent the last decade raising his daughters in a stable environment. The girls, who are now adults or near-adults, have largely remained out of the public eye to maintain their privacy. David has described the adoption of his daughters by his wife Loni as the "silver lining" to the whole nightmare.
Misconceptions About Her Release
There is a common rumor online that she was released early for good behavior. While she may have earned some credits, she served the vast majority of her ten-year stint. Ohio's sentencing laws for conspiracy to commit aggravated murder are notoriously strict, especially when the case involves such high-profile evidence like the undercover tapes.
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Why This Case Still Haunts True Crime Fans
People are still fascinated by this because it’s so relatable yet so extreme. We’ve all had a "venting" session about an ex. But very few people actually follow through with a $50k hit.
The case serves as a grim reminder of how digital footprints—even "private" Facebook messages—can become the primary evidence in a felony trial.
Actionable Takeaways from the Metter Case
If you're following this story for more than just the drama, there are a few real-world lessons here about the legal system and digital privacy:
- Digital is Forever: Those Facebook messages from 2011 were the nail in the coffin for Christine's defense. Even "deleted" content can often be recovered by forensic investigators.
- The "Joke" Defense Doesn't Work: In the eyes of the law, once money changes hands or a specific plan is made, "I was just kidding" is no longer a valid legal shield.
- Custody Battles Have Resources: If you are in a high-conflict custody situation like the Metters were, hiring a hitman is a guaranteed way to lose your children forever. Seek legal counsel and mediation instead of "alternative" solutions.
Christine Metter's current status is that of a private citizen trying to stay under the radar. After a decade of being defined by a single, dark decision made in 2011, she is likely navigating the difficult process of reentry. Meanwhile, the family she tried to break apart has built a new life, proving that sometimes the best revenge is simply living well.