It was simply after 3 a.m. within the heat Houston summer time of 2019, when first responders arrived at Renard and Patricia Spivey’s residence and located 52-year-old Patricia lifeless within the closet from a number of gunshot wounds.
FIRST RESPONDER (bodycam): We are able to undoubtedly see a wound inside her stomach proper there.
OFFICER: OK. Will or not it’s the entry level?
FIRST RESPONDER: It — it seems to be prefer it. We do not know if that is the one one however that is undoubtedly one there. … No indicators of life.
Her husband Renard had a bullet in his leg. He advised officers the 2 had been arguing and combating over a gun when it fired.
OFFICER (bodycam): The place’d you shoot her?
RENARD SPIVEY: We was tussling — within the chest and the arm.
Renard Spivey, a sheriff’s deputy with Harris County, labored as a bailiff in courts and performed a bailiff on TV for “Justice for All with Decide Cristina Perez.”
Renard did not say far more about what occurred. Police detained him and had him transported to a hospital.
Patricia’s 83-year-old father, who suffered from dementia, was additionally residing with the Spivey’s. He was sleeping when the gunshots erupted.
PATRICIA’S FATHER: What — what occurred?
OFFICER: You did not hear something?
PATRICIA’S FATHER: Huh? … I have never did something.
OFFICER: I do know we simply want your assertion.
A STRUGGLE OVER A GUN
First responders on the scene puzzled how a gun might go off a number of occasions by chance.
OFFICER #2 (bodycam): … when you get shot as soon as, you are not gonna make the gun go off once more.
OFFICER #1: That is what I am saying.
And why a person of Renard’s dimension — round six foot three and weighing round 290 kilos — would wish to wrestle along with his smaller spouse to take management over a gun.
OFFICER #1 (bodycam): Saying you are that huge and also you’re combating for the gun.
OFFICER #1: I do not know, however that was an enormous dude. That was an enormous dude. A giant dude.
OFFICER #2: He is obtained a bunch of trophies inside, bodybuilding trophies.
OFFICER #1: — simply gotta name murder. … it simply would not, it would not make sense, bro.
Patrina Marshall, Patricia’s daughter from a earlier relationship, arrived on the scene.
Patrina Marshall: Effectively, it was extra like what occurred? … Did my mother do one thing? Did Renard do one thing? … Like, did any person do one thing to them? Like, I did not know what to anticipate.
Marshall says an officer advised her that her mom had died throughout a wrestle together with her husband.
Natalie Morales: When he advised you she did not make it … needed to be very robust to listen to that.
Patrina Marshall: It was. It was.
Natalie Morales: However you held it collectively.
Patrina Marshall: I feel, uh — I do not know. One thing actually bizarre occurred to me. … I simply form of shut down and every part simply turned actually numb. … I nonetheless haven’t cried.
Marshall says she regrets not seeing her mother for one final time.
Patrina Marshall: I simply did not get that. … And I am like, man, so she’s simply sitting in that closet, simply the entire time. So oh, my God, I am crying.
Marshall by no means thought her mom’s life would finish this manner. Her mom fell rapidly for Renard.
Patrina Marshall: It was like her first every part. … that was her first home.
It was Patricia’s first marriage, and Renard’s third.
Renard Spivey: After we met, I did like her. We kinda hit it off.
Proof picture
5 years after Patricia’s demise, Renard shared with “48 Hours” his emotions for Patricia.
Renard Spivey: … she—she was a enjoyable particular person. She was spontaneous. … And she or he was only a lovely particular person.
Renard had popped the query in 2013 after Patricia pointed at a hoop she preferred at a retailer.
Renard Spivey: … proper there …the place the ring was – “come right here I wanna present you” — I proposed — obtained on my knees and proposed to her.
Natalie Morales: She mentioned sure straight away.
Renard Spivey: She mentioned sure. … And we had enjoyable. … We celebrated in Hawaii.
After which they constructed their dream home — a 3000-square-foot residence with a three-car storage. However inside just a few hours of Patricia’s demise, Renard discovered himself beneath suspicion for homicide. On the hospital, detectives needed to interview Renard, however he refused. He would later inform us why.
Natalie Morales: At that time, had you already gotten an lawyer?
Renard Spivey: I had a union rep who was an lawyer. … And he got here to the hospital. … Union rep mentioned, “don’t speak to them.”
Proof picture
Whereas investigators tried to determine how precisely the capturing unfolded, the medical expert was conducting an post-mortem on Patricia. In accordance with the report, Patricia had a number of gunshot entry and exit wounds — the deadly shot piercing by her lungs and coronary heart. “48 Hours” advisor and former prosecutor Lisa Andrews reviewed the case for us.
Lisa Andrews: The a number of photographs is unquestionably what provides everybody lots of pause as to why it isn’t an accident. … the medical expert dominated it a murder … which is an intentional killing.
On July 29, 2019, Renard Spivey was charged along with his spouse’s homicide.
Natalie Morales: What was that like for you now being behind bars, for any person who had been on the opposite aspect of the regulation for therefore lengthy?
Renard Spivey: It was—it was robust. It was actual robust … what I have been by, I would not want it on my worst enemy.
Renard’s twin sister Renee Spivey-Frazier says she came upon her brother was arrested when she obtained a name from a relative.
Renee Spivey-Frazier: I simply could not imagine what I used to be listening to … as a result of I knew he beloved her unconditionally.
Renard’s good friend Gerald Graham, who Renard has mentored through the years, could not imagine it both.
Gerald Graham: He is the massive brother, the daddy, the uncle … I’ve by no means seen Spivey in any form of altercation…. I by no means seen him elevate his voice.
Renard Spivey employed distinguished felony protection attorneys brothers Dick DeGuerin and Mike DeGeurin, and Mike’s son Michael DeGeurin Jr.
Michael DeGeurin Jr.: One of many issues that we have been capable of see on this case is that they had a digicam system of their residence. … And I watched their relationship.
Dick DeGuerin: We needed to see if there was something there … to offer a motive for wanting her to be harmed or lifeless, uh, or that there was bother within the relationship.
Michael DeGeurin Jr.: It was very loving relationship, as I might inform.
Natalie Morales: However but, we all know on that night time, any person went to mattress offended.
Dick DeGuerin: It seemed like she went to mattress offended … he didn’t.
A TROUBLED RELATIONSHIP?
Forty-eight hours after he was charged with the homicide of his spouse, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Renard Spivey posted $50,000 bond.
Renard Spivey: I used to be in jail in all probability like a few days …
He returned to the home he used to share with Patricia, the place investigators believed he deliberately shot her.
Natalie Morales: Whenever you stroll in that door, do the reminiscences come flooding proper again?
Renard Spivey: Effectively, as quickly as you go within the door and then you definitely go within the bed room, bam. It hits you.
Renard Spivey insists his spouse’s demise was an accident.
Renard Spivey: I like my spouse. I did every part for her. … Something she needed. … I all the time handled her like my queen.
However Renard by no means gave an announcement to police about how the occasions unfolded that night time. And Patricia’s household questioned the circumstances round her demise and why Renard was free on bond. Cybil Shepherd is Patricia’s cousin.
Cybil Shepherd: I do not suppose that his bond was excessive sufficient for homicide. … being a sheriff, I feel he obtained lots of, uh, privilege in that occasion …
Patricia’s family members name her the caregiver of the household.
Patrina Marshall
Patrina Marshall: She was form of just like the glue … her being gone, actually – is — is — you’ll be able to discover it, that she’s gone.
Cybil Shepherd: She did something that she might to assist individuals out. And you’ll see that simply from caring for her dad, simply taking up that duty …
Patricia labored as an govt assistant for the Methodist Hospital in Houston.
Cybil Shepherd: She go go to individuals within the hospital … she would go take them meals, ship them flowers, if no one else was pondering of them, she was.
Patrina Marshall: She simply was in every single place, serving to, taking footage, giving her time … she’s actually social.
Dick DeGuerin: She was very achieved …
Renard’s lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, says the Spivey’s had a great life.
Dick DeGuerin: They have been very joyful. They went on cruises collectively. … each Friday night time, that they had a particular dinner.
Natalie Morales: How would you describe Renard Spivey?
Michael DeGeurin Jr.: Yeah. I imply, the concept of a delicate large. … you’ll be able to’t keep away from seeing how huge he’s.
Renard has been a bodybuilder since his 20s. Within the aftermath of his spouse’s demise, he was positioned beneath home arrest however was allowed to proceed along with his coaching.
Renard Spivey: Really, throughout that time period, it was extra therapeutic for me ‘trigger I have been doing it for 40 years. … that is my love.
Proof pic
He was additionally free to go to church and spend time along with his household. However he resigned from his profession of greater than 20 years with the Harris County Sheriff’s Division. His TV profession additionally took successful.
Natalie Morales: On the time of Patricia’s demise, I perceive you have been nonetheless taping –
Renard Spivey: Sure.
Natalie Morales: — The “Justice [for All] with Cristina Perez” present.
Renard Spivey: Effectively, they — I’mma say earlier than that we have been nonetheless taping, then after that we did not do any extra taping.
Renard had portrayed the bailiff for 9 years and taped greater than 100 episodes. He advised “48 Hours” it was one thing his spouse actually preferred about him.
Natalie Morales: And what did Patricia consider your tv profession?
Renard Spivey: Oh, she beloved it. She was excited. And a matter of reality, I took her to a few Emmys.
Patricia’s childhood good friend, Ezra Washington, had a small half as an additional on that present and remembered assembly Renard when Patricia and Renard obtained collectively.
Natalie Morales: You acknowledged him straight away from –
Ezra Washington: Oh, yeah.
Renard and Washington turned shut buddies, however over time — even earlier than Patricia married Renard — Washington says Renard was controlling together with her.
Ezra Washington: They have been at Pappadeaux’ Friday night time. You recognize, she had just a few, and he advised her “do not drink no extra.” And she or he mentioned “Why?” and he was like “Cuz I mentioned so.” … And she or he dumped him.
The couple obtained again collectively, however their issues hardly went away says Washington, and ultimately impacted Patricia’s relationship together with her cousin, Cybil.
Ezra Washington: He did not like Cybil in any respect. He actually simply hated her.
Ezra Washington: She allowed Pat to have freedom. … They have been going to … cruise yearly. They usually get together, have enjoyable, they usually meet individuals from different elements of the nation.
Cybil Shepherd: He undoubtedly felt, , intimidated by the connection that we had.
Shepherd says, after the couple obtained married, Patricia distanced herself.
Cybil Shepherd: It was extra so making an attempt to only put that wedge, uh, between the 2 of us. And it labored. … I simply backed off from it. I did not wish to come between any person and their marriage.
Patrina Marshall: It virtually appeared like he was jealous of her relationships that he already knew she had.
Marshall says her mother and Renard had no enterprise being married. She says their relationship turned strained as soon as they moved into their new home.
Patrina Marshall: They argued fairly a bit, fairly a bit.
Natalie Morales: What did she complain about with him?
Patrina Marshall: Primarily, it was … libido. … that he did not wanna sleep together with her. … perhaps she thought he was taking steroids … as a result of his entire demeanor modified and his perspective in the direction of her modified.
Natalie Morales: Like temper swings?
Patrina Marshall: Mm-hmm.
Natalie Morales: Lot of up and down.
Patrina Marshall: Sure.
Marshall says her mother seemed up a few of Renard’s capsules and advised her she discovered proof Renard was utilizing steroids.
Natalie Morales: Within the days main as much as the capturing. Did it seem to be issues had intensified?
Patrina Marshall: Sure.
Renard says he was by no means controlling with Patricia, however he would not deny there have been points of their marriage, and says they started a few month earlier than the capturing.
Renard Spivey: She thought I used to be … on steroids and stuff. And I making an attempt to get her to grasp that I — my testosterone was low and I used to be going to a health care provider.
Renard says a health care provider had prescribed him testosterone photographs.
Natalie Morales: However what concerning the steroids, have been you taking steroids at the moment?
Renard Spivey: Effectively, that was the substitute. It is referred to as — substitute remedy. That is not steroids.
Natalie Morales: Did you’re feeling like your moods have been up and down, too, throughout the time you have been getting these photographs?
Renard Spivey: No.
Natalie Morales: Do the photographs have an effect on your temper?
Renard Spivey: No. By no means.
Renard had already advised police the 2 have been arguing on that deadly night time.
Renard Spivey: She thought I in all probability was dishonest on her or one thing as a result of we wasn’t intimate anymore.
Natalie Morales: And what’d you say to her?
Renard Spivey: I advised her no, that is loopy.
Safety footage within the Spivey’s residence recorded among the couple’s actions.
Natalie Morales: … she is sitting on the desk at one level. You stroll over to her. What occurs?
Renard Spivey: once I walked over to her … I used to be on the point of go to mattress and each time I walked over to her, she’d flip her telephone down after which I used to be making an attempt to kiss her. She mentioned, “I am not kissing you.”
Renard says he was curious why Patricia was hiding her telephone from him. After they went to mattress, pondering that his spouse was asleep, he says he grabbed her telephone from her nightstand and introduced it into the closet.
Renard Spivey: I wanna see what she was … and so once I grabbed the telephone, I am pondering she’s asleep, I’m going within the grasp closet, it is darkish. … and it wasn’t seconds earlier than, , pointing the gun at me, gimme my rattling telephone.
Renard says Patricia adopted him into the closet with a gun.
Renard Spivey: … once I circled and noticed her finger on the set off, I used to be scared for my life. … After I circled, she had the gun pointed at me.
SHOTS FIRED – BUT HOW MANY?
Pressure between Renard and his spouse Patricia turned scary, he says —
Renard Spivey: I used to be actually scared ‘trigger … you by no means put your finger on the set off until you ready to shoot.
— when Patricia threatened him along with his gun.
Natalie Morales: The place do you retain your gun?
Renard Spivey: Uh, on the dresser.
Natalie Morales: So it is in your aspect.
Renard Spivey: On my aspect.
Natalie Morales: Of the mattress.
Renard Spivey: Yeah.
Natalie Morales: And is it all the time loaded?
Renard Spivey: It is all the time loaded.
Natalie Morales: Do not you speak any person down? Like in case your police coaching is to deescalate the state of affairs?
Renard Spivey: Effectively … I used to be afraid ‘trigger I’ve by no means been in a state of affairs like that earlier than … one of the best factor I knew in my coaching is to attempt to take the weapon away from her.
CBS Information
Renard says he tried to just do that, and issues unfolded rapidly.
Renard Spivey: … once I grabbed her wrist, I grabbed the highest of the weapon. … she pulled again with a finger on the set off and it went off and shot me within the leg.
Natalie Morales: So you bought shot first.
Renard Spivey: I obtained shot first.
Natalie Morales: Then … what occurred?
Renard Spivey: I used to be within the technique of falling down and … once I making an attempt to take the weapon away from her, it went off a pair extra occasions.
Two extra occasions, he says. Patricia was hit within the chest after which hit by one other bullet in her arm as illustrated in a CBS Information animation based mostly on protection principle.
CBS Information
Dick DeGuerin: We’re sure that the primary shot that hit her … went into her, left chest by her lungs and into her coronary heart. We predict that the second shot that hit her hit her in the proper arm and went … mainly out and in of the bicep after which into her higher proper higher chest.
However former prosecutor Lisa Andrews says it’s not sure that solely two photographs struck her. The medical expert thought it was potential Patricia’s wounds have been the results of three photographs — one to the left chest, one to the proper arm, and a 3rd to her proper chest.
Lisa Andrews:— there may be lots of controversy about what number of occasions she was really shot.
Natalie Morales: … one shot is an accident. … three … photographs?
Lisa Andrews: Effectively, I imply, that is the query, proper?
Investigators poured over the house surveillance; three gunshots are heard clearly. However authorities suspected Renard really fired the gun 4 occasions. Three bullets fired at Patricia after which one Renard would have fired at himself – wounding his leg to make it appear that Patricia shot him.
Investigators recognized one piece of sound heard over the alarm ringing.
Natalie Morales (listening to clip): Now this subsequent clip picks up … a faucet.
They are saying it’s a gunshot, recorded a few minute-and-a-half after the three different photographs.
Natalie Morales: Completely different sound.
Lisa Andrews: Completely different sound.
There’s a motive they are saying it sounds totally different than the others.
Lisa Andrews: … their principle was that, that sound — that fourth sound was a gunshot in a unique a part of the home, and that was him capturing himself.
Renard denies there was a fourth gunshot.
Natalie Morales: That wasn’t you capturing the fourth shot –
Renard Spivey: No, ma’am.
Natalie Morales: — to then have –
Renard Spivey: No, ma’am.
Natalie Morales: — a canopy up story?
Renard Spivey: No, ma’am.
Renard’s attorneys Dick DeGuerin and Michael DeGeurin Jr. additionally listened to that surveillance tape.
Michael DeGeurin Jr: It’s not a gunshot.
They are saying the sound more than likely is the press of one other digicam within the room being activated.
Dick DeGuerin: And … take note, there have been three empty cartridges that have been discovered …
However Lisa Andrews says there have been different issues that might level to Renard’s guilt — like his name to 911.
911 OPERATOR: What’s your emergency?
RENARD SPIVEY: Uh, photographs fired.
911 OPERATOR: Is there an precise affected person there? Has somebody been shot?
RENARD SPIVEY: Sure, ma’am.
Lisa Andrews: He was fairly calm. … the demeanor does look fairly off to me.
911 OPERATOR: OK. The place’s the affected person?
RENARD SPIVEY: They on the ground … I am shot too.
Lisa Andrews: “They.” …He would not say, my spouse or she. … It is — an emotional step again from — from what has occurred.
It took Renard two-and-a-half minutes to say he by chance shot his spouse.
RENARD SPIVEY (to 911): … Me and my spouse had an argument. … I by chance shot her.
Lisa Andrews (listening to 911 name): It is like he cannot deliver himself to say what he is performed.
Lisa Andrews: For him to not reveal that data … with 20 years of regulation enforcement coaching … to me, that was consciousness of guilt.
However Renard says he wasn’t hiding something.
Renard Spivey: Effectively, while you traumatized … And to see your spouse shot, and also you shot too on the identical time, it is loads.
Dick DeGuerin: Uh, you’ll be able to hear the pressure in his voice. So he is in ache. … he was confused and, uh, in all probability going into shock.
However there are different issues on that tape that caught Andrews’ consideration.
911 OPERATOR: Since she just isn’t awake and never respiratory, usually, sir, we have to carry out CPR on her.
RENARD SPIVEY: Huh?
911 OPERATOR: I mentioned, we have to carry out CPR on her …
Lisa Andrews: I felt this was additionally important. … I’ve little doubt he’s skilled in give CPR, carry out it.
Renard will be heard counting, doing what feels like chest compressions. However a short time later, the house safety cameras present Renard takes a break with out mentioning it to the 911 operator.
911 OPERATOR: It’s essential apply agency direct stress to your wounds and her wounds, however we nonetheless have to proceed the CPR.
RENARD SPIVEY: OK, ma’am.
Proof picture
Natalie Morales: He is on the telephone with 911 holding a towel on his leg.
Lisa Andrews: Sometimes, while you’re performing CPR, you do not take breaks.
Renard says he went to unlock the storage door to verify medics might get to his spouse as quickly as potential.
Renard Spivey: I … got here proper again and proceed the chest compressions…
RENARD SPIVEY (to 911) : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Ma’am. (crying)
He’s then heard breaking down.
911 OPERATOR: I am right here Mr. Spivey. Simply hold going. … You are doing nice, sir. For those who can proceed, please proceed.
RENARD SPIVEY: One, two, three, 4, 5, six, seven (crying).
Renee Spivey-Frazier: He beloved her. He actually beloved her.
Renard’s twin sister just isn’t shocked her brother was emotional.
Renee Spivey-Frazier: … she misplaced her life and he nonetheless – he was hurting …
Proof picture
However Patricia’s shut good friend Ezra Washington says simply two days earlier than Patricia died, she advised him she was fed up with Renard’s controlling methods and his suspected steroid use — which she blamed for the shortage of intimacy of their relationship.
Ezra Washington: She mentioned, what – she mentioned, “I am performed” … She mentioned, “I am leaving.”
Washington says on the day of the capturing he had a number of telephone conversations with Renard, and that Renard advised him they have been getting a divorce. Washington claims he confronted Renard about steroids.
Ezra Washington: “I do know you’re on them steroids.” “OK, OK … Man, I did. I obtained some product from my boy ‘trigger I needed to get lean for the cruise … however I ain’t doing it no extra.” I mentioned, “cease mendacity.”
Washington says he advised Renard to only depart the house however Renard made a remark about Patricia not getting the home.
Ezra Washington: I’mma present her. I’mma present her. I mentioned, man, do not be silly.
Washington says he feels responsible for not reaching out to Patricia to warn her that night time.
Ezra Washington: I did not name. I remorse that to this present day.
However he advised authorities about his conversations with Renard.
Ezra Washington: I advised them every part.
As Marshall and Shepherd waited for the case to go to trial, that they had arrived on the identical conclusion with Washington: that Renard had deliberately shot and killed Patricia.
Patrina Marshall: … it was kind of, his actions afterwards. … I did not see any regret from him.
Cybil Shepherd: I do not suppose it was an accident.
However Renard Spivey’s family members have been satisfied he would stroll out a free man.
Gerald Graham: He would by no means, ever deliberately pull a weapon to kill.
Gerald Graham: I knew him. … And I knew he was gonna get a not responsible verdict.
WAS PATRICIA SPIVEY’S SHOOTING DEATH AN ACCIDENT OR MURDER?
As Patricia Spivey’s household waited for his or her day in court docket, the coronavirus pandemic stalled the proceedings and four-and-a-half half years handed by.
Cybil Shepherd: That is not justice.
Renard remained beneath home arrest, however after a while, his legal professionals efficiently filed a movement to take away his ankle monitor and Renard joined the world of relationship apps.
Renard Spivey: I in all probability was on perhaps one or two of them, however, , you get lonely, you want — , some buddies or one thing like that.
On Nov. 28, 2023, Renard Spivey was again in court docket. This time, not as a bailiff — however because the accused dealing with a life sentence if convicted.
Cybil Shepherd: He seemed completely totally different . He wasn’t the clear shaven, . … He had the grey beard.
The state advised the jury Renard shot Patricia deliberately after she threatened to depart their marriage.
Lisa Andrews: The prosecution’s principle is that just about like he snapped. He was offended. … They have been arguing. … He was being accused of issues by her.
However in line with Spivey’s attorneys, this was merely a case of self-defense.
Dick DeGuerin: Self-defense matches as a result of she was threatening him with a gun, and he grabbed her wrist and the gun in his personal protection.
They are saying what occurred subsequent was an accident.
Dick DeGuerin: It was an unintentional discharge of the gun, a number of discharges of the gun. … when he advised me what sort of gun it was, I would had expertise with that specific mannequin of a Smith & Wesson semiautomatic.
Natalie Morales: You have got it proper there.
Dick DeGuerin (demonstrating with gun): There isn’t a exterior security on this gun. … So, if, uh, somebody’s finger is on that set off, all it takes is a slight stress, and it goes off.
Dick DeGuerin: …with somebody that is gripping and making an attempt — to wrestle with the gun, that is sufficient stress to have interaction the set off and to fireplace the gun.
Dick DeGuerin says as soon as fired, the semi-automatic reloads itself instantaneously.
Dick DeGuerin: … it recharges in break up seconds. … Every time it is fired, it is prepared to fireplace once more.
“48 Hours” went with DeGuerin to the doorway of the closet in Spivey’s home, the place he confirmed us what he says occurred.
Natalie Morales Fairly sizeable closet – it is like an enormous closet.
Dick DeGuerin: Large closet.
Dick DeGuerin (demonstrating with Morales): He noticed that she had her finger on the set off. … along with his left hand, he grabbed her proper wrist and put his proper hand on the highest of the gun to power it down and he or she pulled again —
Natalie Morales: And so she shot –
Dick DeGuerin: Again away from me.
Natalie Morales: OK. … And when she did that, it shot, hit him within the left thigh.
Dick DeGuerin: And as they fell, he grabbed her once more and grabbed the gun and tried to twist it out of her hand. Uh, her left hand got here off.
Natalie Morales: OK, left hand comes off.
Dick DeGuerin And the gun went off once more and shot her — within the chest.
Then, DeGuerin says the gun went off another time and the third shot hit Patricia within the arm.
Dick DeGuerin (demonstrating with Morales): Her hand by that point was in relationship to her physique virtually, vertical to her physique. That is why when the bullet went in, it went in by her elbow, got here again out and went into her chest.
Proof picture
DeGuerin says the powder burn mark on Renard’s proper hand proves he grabbed the gun as Patricia fired.
Dick DeGuerin: When the gun fires … that is the place the gun powder that is been fired comes out … And that is what burned … his proper hand.
However there was one thing that puzzled the prosecutors they usually raised it at trial. In Renard’s telling, he and Patricia have been combating on the entrance of the closet however Patricia’s physique was discovered deep contained in the closet. Prosecutors imagine it was as a result of he cornered her.
OFFICER (bodycam): The place’s she at –
RENARD SPIVEY: Laying on the ground.
Natalie Morales: Her physique, as I perceive –
Dick DeGuerin: Her physique –
Natalie Morales: — the place did it find yourself?
Dick DeGuerin: Effectively, it ended up, uh, over in concerning the space that you’re, however then after —
Natalie Morales: And why — how did it find yourself right here?
Dick DeGuerin: As a result of that is the place they fell.
Natalie Morales: The place she fell.
At trial, the protection workforce painted Patricia because the aggressor, they usually level to her web exercise that night to display, they are saying, that her frustration together with her husband was constructing. At 2:49 a.m., Patricia posted this meme on Fb: “Characterize individuals by their actions and you’ll by no means be fooled by their phrases.” At 2:59 a.m., Patricia is seen on digicam for the final time.
Proof picture
At 3:01 a.m., prosecutors suspect Patricia had sufficient – and within the residence’s safety video you can also make out her saying the phrases “it is the identical factor … over and over.” However DeGuerin says it’s not clear what Patricia actually meant.
Dick DeGuerin: Perhaps that is what she mentioned, however what did it imply? … It is ambiguous. What’s she complaining about over and over?
At 3:03 a.m., Renard is seen within the kitchen, after which he goes into the bed room. 4 minutes later at 3:07 a.m., you hear these three gunshots.
Dick DeGuerin: They have been in fast succession … inside of 4 seconds.
And at trial, Renard Spivey advised the jury his spouse Patricia was the one firing.
Renard Spivey: I did not pull the set off.
Natalie Morales: No, your fingers weren’t on the set off?
Renard Spivey: No, ma’am, by no means.
DeGuerin says there isn’t any proof to contradict that. He says {that a} crime scene technician acknowledged at trial that the set off was by no means individually swabbed for DNA.
Dick DeGuerin: She mentioned, effectively, I used to be afraid that the gun would go off once more. Now, that tells you ways harmful that gun was …
However Marshall says her mother was not the kind of one that would pull a gun on anybody.
Patrina Marshall: My mother just isn’t violent like that. … It did not make sense to me.
As an alternative, Marshall believes her mother was within the closet that night time as a result of she was packing.
Patrina Marshall: I feel she was making an attempt to depart that night time.
Prosecutors had Ezra Washington inform the jury about these telephone conversations with Renard the place Renard talked about his frustrations.
Ezra Washington: I simply wish to get ’em the reality. Every part that got here outta his mouth that I do know.
However the prosecutors bumped into an issue. They are saying Washington advised them he spoke to Renard utilizing apps on his telephone, they usually have been unable to search out data of these calls. DeGuerin says he would not imagine these conversations ever passed off.
Natalie Morales: Are you saying Ezra Washington then — when he testified, as a result of he was a key witness for the prosecution, was he mendacity when he talked about these telephone calls?
Dick DeGuerin: I would not name him a key witness. … notably after we have been capable of present that … there was no file of these calls.
Renard Spivey: — he did not speak to me. He lied. He did not speak to me.
Natalie Morales: Why would he make that up, although?
Renard Spivey: I do not know why he would make that up.
And Renard says he had no motive to kill his spouse.
Natalie Morales: Had there been conversations about separation or divorce between you and Patricia?
Renard Spivey: No.
Natalie Morales: She hadn’t talked about leaving you?
Renard Spivey: No, no. All that is lies.
Because the case went to the jury, nobody knew who the jurors have been going to imagine.
Renard Spivey: It was robust. … individuals pointing finger at you, “you probably did it.” … And I do know deep inside that I did not.
AN ACQUITTAL FOR DEPUTY SPIVEY
Renard Spivey: I’ve by no means stopped having hope. And have religion. … My coronary heart is – , I am emotional. I do not know what to anticipate.
On Dec. 6, 2023, after 12 hours of deliberations over two days., the jury in Renard Spivey’s homicide trial reached a verdict and located him not responsible.
Renard Spivey: I fall to the ground crying. Boo crying … My attorneys assist choose me up. My household, .
Natalie Morales: Very emotional?
Renard Spivey: Yeah, oh … (sighs)
Renard’s sister was relieved.
Renee Spivey-Frazier: I needed it to be over with as a result of I am involved about him. … I am involved about his wellbeing, his life, how he is dealing with this.
However she says there have been no winners.
Renee Spivey-Frazier: She misplaced her life … You recognize, I used to be feeling for her. … His life won’t ever be the identical.
On the opposite aspect of the aisle, Patricia’s household and buddies say they could not imagine the jury’s determination.
Cybil Shepherd: I am simply — I am numb. … I don’t imagine that she obtained justice in any respect.
Patrina Marshall l: I felt like I held my breath, after which “not responsible.” … I do not perceive how they obtained there – I did not imagine him.
Renard’s lawyer says the jurors simply weren’t satisfied past an inexpensive doubt that his consumer was the one who fired that gun.
Dick DeGuerin: I feel was essential to the jury that the prosecution by no means proved whose finger was on the set off. … And – it is essential as a result of the prosecution has the burden of proof.
Dick DeGuerin: … and the gun was so essential. … The truth that it is such a harmful design of a gun that can go off so simply.
Lisa Andrews: There simply wasn’t, uh, sufficient proof to disprove his story.
Patricia Marshall/Fb
For the reason that trial, Patricia’s household say they’ve had a tough time processing their loss.
Cybil Shepherd: It felt prefer it was method too quickly for me to be at her funeral. … Fb has this – these reminiscences … And simply looks like each different day … her footage will come up … I take into consideration the occasions that, , we share, the nice occasions.
Patrina Marshall: My mother was nonetheless essential. Like, she was essential to me…
Patrina Marshall: I simply miss that unconditional love. … I’ve no anchor, like she’s gone. … So she was my anchor. (emotional) Yeah, so yeah.
Renard Spivey: I am hurting. … So I understand how they really feel.
Renard Spivey: Really, I wish to, , come to their household … go to their household, and say, hey, look, … I beloved her, ? … They usually knew that. … It is little doubt in my thoughts that they knew I beloved Patricia Marshall.
Renard says, since his acquittal, he has been energetic in his neighborhood —
Renard Spivey: I work for a company and I volunteer for therapeutic for hoodies … And we feed the homeless each Sunday.
— leaning on his household and buddies.
Renard Spivey: Loads of the officers, lots of different individuals [say], we knew that you simply did not do this. … We knew that you’d get … , discovered not responsible. We all know you; we all know your character; we all know the kind of particular person you’re.
However he says he nonetheless misses his spouse.
Renard Spivey: … you keep in mind stuff that she used to love, you keep in mind the music, you keep in mind the meals she preferred. … You recognize what colour costume, sure issues she preferred. You keep in mind all that.
Renard Spivey: So every single day, it is — it is a problem … It is — it is — I am nonetheless — I am unable to sleep at night time. … I reside with it every single day.
Produced by Asena Basak. Jenna Jackson is the event producer. Morgan Canty is the sphere producer. Atticus Brady and Chris Crater are the editors. Annabelle Allen is the affiliate producer. Patti Aronofsky is the senior producer.…
