AURORA, Neb. (AP) — A judge has rejected challenges by two men charged in a murder-for-hire plot, who argue there in not enough evidence to send their cases to felony court.

37-year-old Robert Honken, of Aurora, and 30-year-old Derrick Shirley, of Bradshaw, argued prosecutors had not shown there was an agreement between them to kill Honken’s wife. A judge disagreed Thursday.

Police say Honken had hired Shirley earlier this year to kill his wife, but that Shirley had backed out. Police say Honken then tried to hire another hitman, who turned out to be an undercover officer.

Shirley is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder; Honken faces two identical counts.

Honken is set to be arraigned July 15. Shirley’s arraignment is set for Aug. 4.