It's a shame that people consider murder to deal with personal issues. It's good that the killer wasn't hired, though. As for Bitcoin, I don't think the means of payment should be emphasized. What's bad is the killer part, not the Bitcoin part. But when Bitcoin is mentioned in such stories, the content of the story casts a shadow on BTC reputation as well. As if killers aren't hired with USD.
Perfectly explained mode of payment is just an option like it can be paid in anything be it fiat or crypto, the result of murdering something is the biggest thing out here. Its unfortunate that such things happen as such people do not deserve to live freely and now police will take its action. But media has its own light to portray in negative way for crypto hope this stops.