Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Fertility issues were at the center of former TV chef Juan-Carlos Cruz's motivation in the alleged murder-for-hire plot to kill his wife, according to sources close to the couple. The former host of the Food Network's "Calorie Commando" was charged Monday with attempted murder and solicitation of murder for allegedly trying to hire homeless men to kill his wife. Two sources close the couple, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter, said their 20-year struggle to have a child overwhelmed them. After spending a lot of money on unsuccessful fertility treatments, Cruz's wife, Jennifer Campbell, was "very depressed and talked about suicide," one source said.
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Sources say inability to have child motivated alleged murder plot
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Juan-Carlos Cruz is accused of trying to hire homeless men to kill his wife
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Police say a homeless man came to them with information about Cruz
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Cruz is former host of Food Network's "Calorie Commando"
The Food Network issued a short statement Monday saying Cruz "has not been under contract or associated with @placeholder for a number of years."