In a scene more chilling than any episode of his show, Ghost Adventures host Zak Bagans broke down in tears inside a Nevada courtroom Tuesday as he came face to face with his wife — now accused of trying to have him murdered in a horrifying murder-for-hire plot.
The courtroom gasped as prosecutors laid out the details of the plan allegedly orchestrated by 35-year-old Marisa Bagans, Zak’s estranged wife of four years. The emotional confrontation marked the first time the couple had seen each other since her dramatic arrest last week, following a months-long undercover investigation.
BREAKING: Zak Bagans breaks down in court after hearing his wife allegedly tried to hire a hitman to kill him. #GhostAdventures #ZakBagans— TMZ (@TMZ) June 4, 2025
“She looked me in the eye like I was a stranger,” Zak told the judge during his victim impact statement, his voice trembling. “I gave this woman everything. I never thought I’d be the ghost she wanted gone.”
According to a criminal affidavit obtained by NBC News, Marisa allegedly approached an individual she believed to be a hitman — who was, in fact, an undercover FBI agent — and offered $50,000 for Zak’s “disappearance.” The agent recorded multiple meetings and phone calls where she allegedly described “wanting it to look like an accident” and “getting his money before the show goes into syndication.”
Prosecutors say Marisa Bagans wanted it to “look like a heart attack.” She said it would be “poetic.” This is beyond twisted. #ZakBagans— VICE News (@VICENews) June 4, 2025
Investigators said they were tipped off by a mutual friend who became suspicious after Marisa allegedly made several “cryptic” remarks about “not needing a divorce attorney after all.” That friend immediately contacted authorities, leading to a sting operation that ended with Marisa’s arrest outside a Las Vegas hotel on May 28.
In court, prosecutors revealed the motive may have stemmed from an ongoing legal dispute over the couple’s multimillion-dollar shared assets, including Zak’s haunted museum in Las Vegas and future rights to his TV earnings.
Zak Bagans owns a massive haunted museum & several Ghost Adventures trademarks. Prosecutors say his wife wanted it all. #MurderForHire— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) June 4, 2025
Marisa appeared expressionless throughout the hearing, occasionally looking toward Zak but never addressing him directly. Her defense attorney claims she was “set up,” arguing that she was under emotional distress and manipulated by a friend who owed her money.
But prosecutors played audio recordings in open court — including one where she is heard saying, “It’s either him or me. And I’m not going anywhere.”
Court audio reveals Marisa Bagans saying “It’s either him or me” in murder-for-hire recordings. Unbelievable. #ZakBagans— CourtTV (@CourtTV) June 4, 2025
Outside the courthouse, fans gathered holding signs of support for Zak. Some wore Ghost Adventures merchandise while others held candles. One woman was overheard telling local reporters, “He helped me through dark times. Now it’s time to be his light.”
The story has ignited social media, with the hashtag #JusticeForZak trending worldwide. Fans and friends alike have expressed shock that the man who spends his life exploring haunted places may have unknowingly been living with a real-world monster.
Zak Bagans investigates evil for a living. But no demon compares to betrayal from someone you love. #JusticeForZak— Savannah Guthrie (@SavannahGuthrie) June 4, 2025
Zak has not confirmed whether filming for Ghost Adventures will continue amid the unfolding drama, but insiders told Entertainment Tonight that the crew has been placed on indefinite hiatus.
The judge ordered Marisa held without bail, citing her “clear intent to cause harm and calculated planning.” She faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on federal conspiracy charges.
As court adjourned, Zak lingered in his seat, staring at the floor.
“She used to say she’d love me ‘til death,” he whispered. “I didn’t realize she meant it.”
