Deputy Spivey on Trial

Summary

48 Hours Episode Summary: "Deputy Spivey on Trial"

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Deputy Spivey on Trial," CBS News' "48 Hours" delves deep into the controversial case of Renard Spivey, a respected Harris County Sheriff's deputy and beloved TV bailiff from the popular show Justice for All with Judge Cristina Perez. Released on January 13, 2025, this episode examines the tragic and puzzling circumstances surrounding the death of Renard's wife, Patricia Spivey, and the ensuing legal battle that captivated the community.

Background of the Spivey Marriage

Renard Spivey and Patricia Spivey (née Patricia Marshall) appeared to embody the American dream. Renard, a towering figure at 6'3" and 290 pounds, dedicated over two decades to law enforcement and entertained audiences as a TV bailiff. Patricia, an 83-year-old widow suffering from dementia, was known for her compassionate work as an executive assistant at Methodist Hospital, often going above and beyond to care for others.

Their relationship, however, was not without its complexities. While the couple shared a seemingly loving union, cracks began to appear, particularly after moving into their expansive 3,000-square-foot home. Patricia's daughter from a previous relationship, Petrina Marshall, and family friends recounted moments that suggested underlying tensions, including Patricia's frustration with Renard's controlling behavior and suspected steroid use.

The Night of the Tragedy

On a warm Houston summer night in 2019, tragedy struck. Around 3 am, Renard and Patricia were embroiled in a heated argument over a gun, leading to a fatal confrontation.

Renard Spivey: "We was arguing, tussling with the gun, and we had been arguing all day." (03:29)

The ensuing struggle resulted in multiple gunshots. First responders arrived to find Patricia deceased with multiple gunshot wounds in the closet and Renard wounded in the leg. Security cameras captured the harrowing moments, including the audible sounds of three gunshots:

Security Footage Audio: "One, two, three." (04:12)

Renard claimed the shooting was accidental, asserting he had unintentionally shot Patricia while attempting to disarm her.

Evidence and Investigation

The investigation revealed critical pieces of evidence:

1. Security Camera Footage: Clearly captured the three distinct gunshots.
2. Autopsy Report: Indicated multiple entry and exit wounds, with the fatal bullet piercing Patricia’s lungs and heart.
3. The Gun: A 9mm Smith & Wesson semi-automatic with no external safety, capable of rapid firing.
4. 911 Calls: Renard’s demeanor during the emergency call raised suspicions.

Renard Spivey: "No, ma'am. I love my wife. Natalie Morales reports Deputy Spivey on trial." (05:22)

The prosecution theorized that Renard fired a fourth shot to injure himself, attempting to fabricate an accidental shooting scenario. However, Renard and his defense team countered this claim by suggesting the fourth sound was merely the click of a camera.

Witness Testimonies and Allegations

Various witnesses painted a complex picture of the Spiveys' relationship:

• Ezra Washington, a childhood friend of Patricia, alleged Renard's controlling behavior and suspected steroid use, claiming Patricia had expressed a desire to leave.

  Ezra Washington: "I told Renard to just leave the home." (30:03)

• Petrina Marshall expressed disbelief in Renard's capacity for violence, noting Patricia's nature as a non-violent caregiver.

Petrina Marshall: "I do not believe that she received justice at all." (43:03)

The Trial

After a protracted delay exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the trial commenced. Renard, maintaining his innocence, presented his defense centered on self-defense and accidental discharge of the firearm. The prosecution focused on Renard's actions post-shooting, including his calm demeanor during the 911 call and the contentious issue of the alleged fourth shot.

Key arguments included:

• Defense: The gun discharged multiple times due to its design and the nature of the altercation.

  Renard's Attorney, Dick DeGuerin: "There was no evidence to contradict that." (39:14)

• Prosecution: The lack of Renard’s statement immediately admitting fault and the suspicious nature of the multiple gunshots implied premeditation.

Former Prosecutor, Lisa Andrews: "The multiple shots are definitively what gives everyone a lot of pause as to why it's not an accident." (10:58)

Verdict and Aftermath

After deliberating for twelve hours over two days, the jury delivered a controversial verdict:

Jury Verdict: "Not guilty." (42:10)

The decision elicited strong reactions:

• Renard’s Family: His twin sister, Renee Spivey Frazier, and other family members expressed relief and disbelief, emphasizing Renard's loving nature and character.

  Renard's Sister, Renee: "I wanted it to be over with because I'm concerned about him." (42:31)

• Patricia’s Family and Friends: Felt aggrieved and believed justice was not served, struggling to comprehend the jury’s decision.

  Patricia’s Family Member: "I don't understand how they got there. I didn't believe him." (43:03)

Reactions and Reflections

Post-verdict, both families grappled with their emotions:

• Renard Spivey: Although acquitted, he continues to mourn the loss of Patricia, struggling with memories and daily life without her.

  Renard Spivey: "You remember the music. You remember the food she likes... So every day, it's a challenge." (45:57)

• Patricia’s Family: Continues to seek closure and justice, feeling the loss deeply and finding it hard to move forward.

Petrina Marshall: "It was a lot. I know how they feel." (44:14)

Conclusion

"Deputy Spivey on Trial" presents a multifaceted exploration of a high-profile case that intertwines public persona, personal tragedy, and the quest for justice. Through detailed interviews, expert insights, and emotional testimonies, the episode sheds light on the complexities of the Renard Spivey trial, leaving listeners to ponder the fine line between innocence and guilt in the eyes of the law.

Notable Quotes

• Renard Spivey: "I was really scared. Cause you never put your finger on the trigger unless you prepare to shoot." (22:23)

• Former Prosecutor Lisa Andrews: "Ultimately, I guess that's the million dollar question." (04:35)

• Renard’s Attorney, Mike DeGuerin: "He did not." (12:27)

Timestamp References

• Click on the timestamps to navigate to the specific sections within the transcript.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the instructions, focusing solely on delivering a comprehensive and engaging overview of the episode's key elements.

Transcript

[A]

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[A]

What is your emergency? Shots fired. What is your name?

[B]

My name is Renard Spivey.

[A]

Me and my wife in the army. I accidentally shot her. You accidentally shot her? Yeah. Houston Police. Where you at, ma'am? Sir? Yeah, right here. All right, where's the weapon? Right here Stay away from it. I don't want to see it in your hand, you understand? Where's she at? Okay. What's okay. His leg. All right. Shutting the leg. Okay. We was arguing, tussling with the gun, and we had been arguing all day. Okay, go ahead and put your hands behind your back. Okay. Renard Spivey was a longtime deputy sheriff and the deceased was his wife Pat or Patricia Spivey.

[B]

Spivey, who also worked for a time as a TV judge show bailiff, is now charged with his wife's murder.

[A]

There was a lot of publicity because he had been on a very popular reality TV show, Justice for all with Christina Perez. All rise. Court is now in session. He was the perfect person in front of everybody else. I think he thought the camera was always on.

[B]

When it comes to how your mom died. Do you think it was accidental?

[A]

No, it just. It didn't make sense.

[B]

It didn't line up the security cameras. How important were the security cameras and the evidence? I think they were very important.

[A]

On the surveillance, you clearly hear the three gunshots.

[B]

One, two, three.

[A]

The prosecution's theory is that he shot her and then shot himself to cover it up. You don't accidentally shoot someone more than once.

[B]

Was the autopsy consistent with an accidental shooting?

[A]

Well, ultimately, I guess that's the million dollar question. Whose finger was on the trigger? Who was the aggressor? She was threatening him with a gun. If he is the aggressor, then this is a murder. If she is the aggressor, this was either self defense or an accident.

[B]

This is the 9 millimeter gun.

[A]

This is the actual gun. It's caught. Now, there is no external safety on this gun and so any slight pull of the trigger would cause it to go off. There was no single piece of physical evidence that really conclusively pointed towards a particular verdict.

[B]

Did you intentionally shoot your wife?

[A]

No, ma'am. I love my wife. Natalie Morales reports Deputy Spivey on trial.

[B]

It was just after 3am in the warm Houston summer of 2019 when first responders arrived at Renard and Patricia Spivey's home and found 52 year old Patricia dead in the closet. For from multiple gunshot wounds.

[A]

We can definitely see a wound in her abdomen right there. Okay. Will it be the entry point?

[B]

It looks like it.

[A]

We don't know if that's the only one, but that's definitely one there. Those sounds alive.

[B]

Her husband Renard had a bullet in his leg. He told officers the two had been arguing and fighting over a gun when it fired What'd you shoot her?

[A]

We was touching his.

[B]

Renard Spivey, a sheriff's deputy with Harris county, worked as a bailiff in courts.

[A]

Your deputy Sergeant. Lieutenant, deputy.

[B]

And played a bailiff on tv.

[A]

All right.

[B]

For justice for all with Judge Cristina Perez. I'm giving you one more chance to.

[A]

Tell me the truth.

[B]

Renard didn't say much more about what happened. Police detained him and had him transported to a Hospital. Patricia's 83 year old father, who suffered from dementia, was also living with the Spiveys. He was sleeping when the gunshots erupted.

[A]

What? What happened? You didn't hear anything? I haven't heard anything. I know. We just need your statement.

[B]

First responders on the scene wondered how a gun could go off multiple times by accident.

[A]

If you get shot once, you're not gonna make the gun go off again. That's what I'm saying.

[B]

And why a man of Renard's size, around 6 foot 3 and weighing around 290 pounds, would need to struggle with his smaller wife to take control over a gun?

[A]

So you're that big and you're fighting for the gun? I don't know, but that was a big dude. That was a big dude. That was a big dude. He's got a bunch of trophies inside. Buy the building trophies. She's gotta call homicide. And it just doesn't. It doesn't make sense, bro. It was more like what happened because.

[B]

Like I said, Petrina Marshall, Patricia's daughter from a previous relationship, arrived at the scene.

[A]

Did my mom do something? Did Renard do something? Like, did somebody do something to them? Like, I didn't know what to expect.

[B]

Petrina says an officer told her her mother had died during a struggle with her husband. When he told you she didn't make it had to be very tough to hear that.

[A]

It was.

[B]

But you held it together.

[A]

I don't know. Something really weird happened to me. I don't know. It's just like, I just kind of shut down and everything just became really numb. I still have not cried.

[B]

Petrina says she regrets not seeing her mom for one last time.

[A]

I just didn't get that. And I'm like, man, so she just sitting in that closet just the whole time, so. Oh, my God, I'm crying.

[B]

Petrina never thought her mother's life would end this way. Her mother fell quickly for Renard.

[A]

It was like her first everything. That was her first house.

[B]

And it was Patricia's first marriage, Renard's third.

[A]

When we met, I did like, we kind of hit it off and stuff.

[B]

Like five years after Patricia's death, Renard shared with us his feelings for Patric.

[A]

She was a fun person. I'm living my best life. She was spontaneous, and she was just a beautiful person.

[B]

Renard had popped the question in 2013 after Patricia pointed at a ring she liked at a store right there where.

[A]

The ring was, said, come here, I'll show you. I proposed, got on my knees and proposed to her.

[B]

And she said yes right away.

[A]

She said yes, and we had fun. We celebrated in Hawaii.

[B]

And then they built their dream house, a 3,000 square foot home with a three car garage. But within a few hours of Patricia's death, Renard found himself under suspicion for murder. At the hospital, detectives wanted to interview Renard, but he refused. He would later tell us why. At that point, had you already gotten an attorney?

[A]

I had a union rep who was an attorney. Then he came to the hospital. Union rep, he said, do not talk to him.

[B]

While investigators tried to figure out how exactly the shooting unfolded, the medical examiner was conducting an autopsy on Patricia. According to the report, Patricia had multiple gunshot entry and exit wounds, the fatal shot piercing through her lungs and heart. 48 hours consultant and former prosecutor Lisa Andrews reviewed the case for us.

[A]

The multiple shots is definitely what gives everyone a lot of pause as to why it's not an accident. The medical examiner ruled it a homicide, which is an intentional killing.

[B]

On July 29, 2019, Renard Spivey was charged with his wife's murder. What was that like for you now, being behind bars for somebody who had been on the other side of the law for so long?

[A]

It was tough. It was real tough. What I've been through, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

[B]

Renard's twin sister, Renee Spivey Frazier, says she found out her brother was arrested when she got a call from a relative.

[A]

And I just couldn't believe what I was hearing because I knew he loved her unconditionally.

[B]

Renard's friend Gerald Graham, who Renard has mentored over the years, couldn't believe it either.

[A]

Like, he's the big brother, the. The father, the uncle. I just want to thank y'all for all the. The well wishes. And I have never seen Spivey in any kind of altercation. I never seen him raise his voice.

[B]

Renard Spivey hired prominent criminal defense attorneys, brothers Dick and Mike DeGuerin and Mike's son, Michael Daguerrin.

[A]

One of the things that we were able to see in this case is they had a camera system in their home and I watched their relationship. We wanted to see if there was anything there to provide a motive for wanting her to be harmed or dead or that there was trouble in the relationship. It was very loving relationship as I could tell.

[B]

But yet we know on that night somebody went to bed angry.

[A]

It looked like she went to bed angry. He did not.

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[A]

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Subscribe to onthemedia wherever you get your podcasts. 48 hours after he was charged with the murder of his wife, Harris County Sheriff's deputy Renard Spivey posted bond $50,000.

[A]

I was in jail probably a couple.

[B]

Of days and returned to the house he used to share with Patricia where investigators believed he intentionally shot her. When you walk in that door, do the memories come flooding right back?

[A]

Well, as soon as you go in the door and then you go in the bedroom, bam, it hits you.

[B]

Renard Spivey insists his wife's death was an accident.

[A]

I love my wife, you know, I did everything for her, anything she wanted. I always treat her like my queen.

[B]

But Renard never gave a statement to police about how the events unfolded that night. And Patricia's family questioned the circumstances around her death and why Renard was free on bond. Patricia's cousin, Sybil Shepherd, I don't think.

[A]

That his bond was high enough for murder. Being a sheriff, I think he got a lot of privilege in that instance.

[B]

Patricia's loved ones call her the caregiver of the family.

[A]

She was Kind of like the glue. Her being gone, really, you notice it that she's gone. She did anything that she could to help people out, and you can see that just from taking care of her dad, you know, just taking on that responsibility.

[B]

Patricia worked as an executive assistant for the Methodist Hospital in Houston.

[A]

She'd go visit people in the hospital. She would go take them food, send them flowers. If nobody else was thinking of them, she was. She just was everywhere, helping, taking pictures, giving her time. Just real social. She was very accomplished.

[B]

Renard's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, says the Spiveys had a good life.

[A]

They were very happy. They went on cruises together. Every Friday night, they had a special dinner.

[B]

How would you describe Renard Spivey?

[A]

I mean, the idea of a gentle giant his size was. You can't avoid seeing how big he is.

[B]

Renard has been a bodybuilder since his 20s. In the aftermath of his wife's death, he was placed under house arrest, but was allowed to continue with his training.

[A]

Actually, during that period, it was more therapeutic for me because I've been doing it for 40 years, because that's my love.

[B]

He was also free to go to church and spend time with his family, but he resigned from his career of more than 20 years with Harris County Sheriff's Department. His TV career also took a hit at the time of Patricia's death. I understand you were still taping the justice with Christina Perez show.

[A]

Well, they. Before that, we were still taping. Then after that, we didn't do any more taping.

[B]

Renard had portrayed the bailiff for nine years and taped more than 100 episodes. Right here, sir. He told us it was something his wife really liked about him. And what did Patricia think of your television career?

[A]

Oh, she loved it. She was excited. And as a matter of fact, I took her to a couple of the Emmys.

[B]

Patricia's childhood friend Ezra Washington had a small part as an extra on that show and remembered meeting Renard. When Patricia and Renard got together, you recognized him right away.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

From his time, Renard and Ezra became close friends. But over time, even before Patricia married Renard, Ezra says Renard was controlling with her.

[A]

They were at Papado's Friday night. You know, she'd have a few. And he told her, don't drink no more. And she said, why? He was like, cause I said so. And she dumped him.

[B]

The couple got back together, but their problems hardly went away, says Ezra, and eventually impacted Patricia's relationship with her cousin Sybil.

[A]

He didn't like Sybil. At all. He literally just hated her. She allowed Pat to have freedom. They would go on this cruise every year, and they party, have fun, and they meet people from other parts of the country. She definitely felt, you know, intimidated by the relationship, you know, that we had.

[B]

Cybil says after the couple got married, Patricia distanced herself.

[A]

It was more so trying to just put that wedge between the two of us, and it worked. I just backed off from it. I didn't want to come between somebody and their marriage. It almost seemed like he was jealous of her relationships that he already knew she had. I mean.

[B]

Petrina says her mom and Renard had no business being married. She says their relationship became strained once they moved into their new house.

[A]

They argued quite a bit.

[B]

What did she complain about with him?

[A]

Mainly it was libido that he. He didn't want to sleep with her. And maybe she thought he was taking steroids because his. His whole demeanor changed and his attitude towards her changed.

[B]

Like mood swings, a lot of up and down?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Petrina says her mom looked up some of Renard's pills and told her she found proof Renard was using steroids in the days leading up to the shooting. Did it seem like things had intensified?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Renard says he was never controlling with Patricia, but he doesn't deny there were issues in their marriage and says they began about a month before the shooting.

[A]

She thought I was on steroids and stuff, and I tried to get her to understand that my testosterone was low and I was going to a doctor.

[B]

Renard says a doctor had prescribed him testosterone shots. What about the steroids? Were you taking steroids at that time?

[A]

Well, that was the replacement. It's called replacement therapy. That's not steroids.

[B]

Did you feel like your moods were up and down, too, during the time you were getting those shots? Do the shots affect your mood?

[A]

No. Never.

[B]

Renard had already told police the two were arguing on that fatal night, and.

[A]

She thought I probably was cheating on her or something because we wasn't intimate anymore.

[B]

And what'd you say to her?

[A]

I told her, no, that's crazy.

[B]

Security footage in the Spiveys home recorded some of the couple's movements. She is sitting at the table. At one point, you walk over to her.

[A]

What happened when I walked over to her? I was getting ready to go to bed, and every time I walk over to her, she turned her phone down. And then I was trying to kiss her. I'm not kissing you.

[B]

Renard says he was curious why Patricia was hiding her phone from him after they went to bed. Thinking that his wife was asleep, he says he grabbed her phone from her nightstand and brought it into the closet.

[A]

I want to see what she was looking at. And so when I grab the phone, I'm thinking she sleep. I go in the master closet. It's dark, and it wasn't seconds before, you know, pointing a gun at me. Give me my damn phone.

[B]

Bernard says Patricia followed him into the closet with a gun.

[A]

Then when I turned around and saw her finger on the trigger, I was scared for my life. When I turned around, she had the gun pointed at.

[B]

Tension between Renard and his wife Patricia turned frightening.

[A]

He says, I was really scared. Cause you never put your finger on the trigger unless you prepare to shoot.

[B]

When Patricia threatened him with his gun. Where do you keep your gun?

[A]

On the dresser.

[B]

So it's on your side of the bed?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And is it always loaded?

[A]

It's always loaded.

[B]

Don't you talk somebody down, like as your police training is to de escalate the situation?

[A]

Well, I was afraid because I'd never been in a situation like that before. So the best thing I knew in my training is try to take the weapon away from him.

[B]

Renard says he tried to do just that, and things unfolded quickly.

[A]

When I grabbed her wrist, I grabbed the top of the weapon. She pulled back with her finger on the trigger, and it went off and shot me in the leg.

[B]

So you got shot first?

[A]

I got shot first.

[B]

Then what happened?

[A]

I was in the process of falling down, and when I tried to take the weapon away from it, it went off a couple more times.

[B]

Two more times. He says Patricia was hit in the chest and then hit by another bullet in her arm, as illustrated in the CBS News animation. Based on defense theory, we're certain that.

[A]

The first shot that hit her went into her left chest, through her lungs, and into her heart. We think that the second shot that hit her hit her in the right arm and went basically in and out of the bicep and then into her upper right chest.

[B]

But former prosecutor Lisa Andrews says it is not certain that only two shots. The medical examiner thought it was possible. Patricia's wounds were the result of three shots. One to the left chest, one to the right arm, and a third to her right chest. There's a lot of controversy about how.

[A]

Many times she was actually shot.

[B]

One shot is an accident. Three shots. Well, I mean, that's the question, right? Investigators pored over the home surveillance. Three gunshots are heard clearly. But authorities suspected Renard actually fired the gun four times. Three bullets fired at Patricia and then one. Renard would have fired at himself, wounding his leg to make it seem that Patricia shot him. Investigators identified one piece of sound. You can hear it over the alarm ringing. Now this next clip picks up the tap. They say it's a gunshot recorded about a minute and a half after the three other shots. Different sound, different sound. There was a reason they say it sounds different than the others.

[A]

Their theory was that that sound, that fourth sound, was a gunshot in a different part of the house, and that was him shooting himself.

[B]

Renard Spivey denies there was a fourth gunshot. That wasn't you shooting the fourth shot to then have a cover up story.

[A]

No, ma'am.

[B]

Renard's attorneys, Dick and Michael DeGuerin, also listened to that surveillance tape.

[A]

It is not a gunshot.

[B]

They say the sound most likely is the click of another camera in the room being activated.

[A]

And keep in mind, there were three empty cartridges that were found.

[B]

But Lisa Andrews says there were other things that could point to Renard's guilt, like his call to 911.

[A]

What is your emergency? A shot spot. Okay, sir. Is there an actual patient? There is. Someone missed shot? Yes, ma'am.

[B]

He's pretty calm. The demeanor does look pretty off to me.

[A]

Okay, where's the patient? They on the floor. And I'm shot, too. They he doesn't say. My wife or she. It's an emotional step back from what has happened.

[B]

It took Renard two and a half minutes to say he accidentally shot his wife.

[A]

Me and my wife had an argument. I accidentally shot her. It's like he can't bring himself to.

[B]

Say what he's done.

[A]

For him, not to reveal that information with two decades of law enforcement training, to me, that was consciousness of guilt.

[B]

But Renard says he wasn't hiding anything.

[A]

When you traumatized and to see your wife shot and you shot two at the same time is. It's a lot. Where's the gun? It's going up. You can hear the strain in his voice. So you know he's in pain. He was confused and probably going into shock.

[B]

But there are other things on that tape that caught Andrew's attention since she.

[A]

Is not awake and not breathing normally. Sir, we need to perform CPR on her.

[B]

I said we need to perform CPR on her.

[A]

I felt this was also significant. I have no doubt he is trained in how to give cpr. Perform it.

[B]

You can hear what sounds like Renard doing chest compressions.

[A]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[B]

But a little while later, you can see on the home security cameras, Renard Takes a break without mentioning it to the 911 operator. You need to apply for indirect pressure.

[A]

To your wounds and her wounds, but.

[B]

We still need to continue the CPR.

[A]

Okay, ma'am.

[B]

He's on the phone with 911 holding the towel on his leg.

[A]

Typically when you're performing cpr, you don't take breaks.

[B]

Renard says he went to unlock the garage door to make sure medics could get to his wife as soon as possible.

[A]

I came right back and continued the chest computer. Precious. 1, 2, 3, 4.

[B]

She is then heard breaking down.

[A]

Ma'am, Spivey, just keep going. He's doing great. Sir, if you can continue, please continue. He love her. Happy anniversary to you too, dear. Happy anniversary to see you. He really loved her.

[B]

Renard's twin sister is not surprised her brother was emotional.

[A]

She lost her life and he still. He was hurting.

[B]

But Patricia's close friend Ezra Washington says just two days before Patricia died, she told him she was fed with Renard's controlling ways and his suspected steroid use, which she blamed for the lack of intimacy in their relationship.

[A]

She said, you know what? She said, I'm done. She said, I'm leaving.

[B]

Ezra says on the day of the shooting, he had multiple phone conversations with Renard and that Renard told him they were getting a divorce. Ezra claims he confronted Renard about steroids.

[A]

I know you on them steroids. Okay, okay, man, I did. I got some product from my boy. Cause I wanted to get lean for the cruise, but I ain't doing it no more. I said, stop lying.

[B]

Ezra says he told Renard to just leave the home. But Renard made a comment about Patricia not getting the house.

[A]

I'm a show. I'm a show. I said, man, don't be stupid.

[B]

Ezra says he feels guilty for not reaching out to Patricia to warn her that night.

[A]

I didn't call. I regret that to this day.

[B]

But he told authorities about his conversations with Renard.

[A]

I told him everything.

[B]

As Petrina and Sybil waited for the case to go to trial, they had arrived at the same conclusion with Ezra, that Renard had intentionally shot and killed Patricia.

[A]

It was more or less his actions afterwards. I didn't see any remorse from him. I don't think it was an accident.

[B]

But Renard Spivey's loved ones were convinced he would walk out a free man.

[A]

He would never, ever intentionally pull a weapon to kill. I knew him. I knew he was going to get a not guilty verdict. Hi, I'm Lindsey Graham, the host of Wondery American Scandal. We bring to life some of the biggest controversies in US History.

[B]

Presidential lies, environmental disasters, corporate fraud.

[A]

In our latest series, NASA embarks on an ambitious program to reinvent space exploration.

[B]

With the launch of its first reusable vehicle, the spaceship.

[A]

And in 1985, they announced they're sending teacher Christa McAuliffe into space aboard the.

[B]

Space shuttle Challenger along with six other astronauts.

[A]

But less than two minutes after liftoff, the Challenger explodes. And in the tragedy's aftermath, investigators uncover a series of preventable failures by NASA.

[B]

And its contractors that led to the disaster.

[A]

Follow American scandal on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[B]

Experience all episodes ad free and be.

[A]

The first to binge the newest season only on Wondry.

[B]

You can join Wondry in the Wondry.

[A]

App, Apple podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial today.

[B]

He was hip hop's biggest mogul. The man who redefined fame, fortune, and the music industry.

[A]

The first male rapper to be honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sean Diddy Combs.

[B]

Diddy built an empire and lived a life most people only dream about.

[A]

Everybody know ain't no party like a Diddy party. So, yeah, that's what's up.

[B]

But just as quickly as his empire rose, it came crashing down. Today I'm announcing the unsealing of a.

[A]

Three count indictment charging Sean Combs with racketeering, conspiracy, sex trafficking, interstate transportation for prostitution. I was up and I hit rock bottom, but I made no excuses. I'm disgusted. I'm so sorry. Until you're wearing an orange jumpsuit, it's not real. Now it's real.

[B]

From his meteoric rise to his shocking fall from grace from law and crime, this is the rise and fall of Diddy. Listen to the rise and fall of Diddy exclusively with Wondery. As Patricia Spivey's family waited for their day in court, the coronavirus pandemic stalled the proceedings. Four and a half years pass by.

[A]

That's not justice.

[B]

Renard remained under house arrest. But after some time, his lawyer successfully filed a motion to remove his ankle monitor. And Renard joined the world of dating apps.

[A]

I probably was on maybe one or two of them, but, you know, you get lonely, you need some friends or something like that.

[B]

On November 28, 2023, Renard Spivey was back in court. This time not as a bailiff, but as the accused facing a life sentence if convicted.

[A]

He looked totally different. You know, he wasn't the clean shaven. You know, he had the gray beard.

[B]

The state told the jury Renard shot Patricia Intentionally, after she threatened to leave their marriage. The prosecution's theory is that almost like. Like he snapped.

[A]

He was angry.

[B]

They were arguing.

[A]

He was being accused of things by her.

[B]

But according to Spivey's attorneys, this was simply a case of self defense.

[A]

Self defense fits because she was threatening him with a gun, and he grabbed her wrist and the gun. In his own defense, they say what.

[B]

Happened next was an accident.

[A]

It was an unintentional discharge of the gun. Several discharges of the gun. When he told me what kind of gun it was, I'd had experience with that particular model of a Smith and Wesson semi automatic.

[B]

I have it right there.

[A]

There is no external safety on this gun. So if someone's finger is on that trigger, all it takes is a slight pressure. Slight pressure, and it goes off. With someone that's gripping and trying to wrestle with the gun, that's enough pressure to engage the trigger and to fire the gun.

[B]

Dick DeGuerin says once fired, the semiautomatic reloads itself instantaneously.

[A]

It recharges in split seconds. Each time it's fired, it's ready to fire again.

[B]

We went with DeGuerin to the doorway of the closet in Spivey's house. It's a pretty sizable closet. It's like a.

[A]

It's a big closet.

[B]

Big closet where he showed us what he says happened.

[A]

He saw that she had her finger on the trigger. With his left hand, he grabbed her right wrist.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And put his right hand on the top of the gun to force it down. And she pulled back.

[B]

And so she.

[A]

Away from me.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And when she did that, it. It shot. Hit him in the left thigh. And as they fell, he grabbed her again and grabbed the gun and tried to twist it out of her hand. Her left hand came off.

[B]

Okay. Left hand comes off.

[A]

And the gun went off again and.

[B]

Shot her in the chest.

[A]

In the chest.

[B]

Then DeGuerin says the gun went off one more time, and the third shot hit Patricia in the arm.

[A]

Her hand by that time was in relationship to her body, almost vertical to her body. That's why when the bullet went in, it went in by her elbow, came back out and went into her chest.

[B]

DeGuerin says the powder burn mark on Renard's right hand proves he grabbed the gun as Patricia fired.

[A]

When the gun fires, this is where the gunpowder that's been fired comes out. And that's what burned his right hand.

[B]

But there was something that puzzled the prosecutors, and they raised it at trial.

[A]

Where's she at? She's laying on the floor.

[B]

In Renard's telling, he and Patricia were fighting at the entrance of the closet. But Patricia's body was found deep inside the closet. Prosecutors believe it was because he cornered her. Her body, as I understand her body. Where did it end up?

[A]

Well, it ended up over in about the area that you are. But then after.

[B]

And why? How did it end up here?

[A]

Because that's where they fell.

[B]

Where she fell. At trial, the defense team painted Patricia as the aggressor. And they point to her Internet activity that evening to demonstrate, they say, that her frustration with her husband was building. At 2:49am, Patricia posted this meme on Facebook. Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words. At 2:59am, Patricia is seen on camera for the last time. Time. At 3:01am, prosecutors suspect Patricia had enough. And you can make out her saying the words. It's the same thing over and over again. But DeGuerin says it is not clear what Patricia really meant.

[A]

Maybe that's what she said, but what did it mean? It's ambiguous. What is she complaining about over and over again?

[B]

At 3:03am, Renard is seen in the kitchen. And then he goes into the bedroom. Four minutes later, at 3:07, you hear those three gunshots.

[A]

They were in quick succession inside of four seconds.

[B]

And at trial, Renard Spivey told the jury his wife Patricia was the one firing.

[A]

I didn't pull the trigger.

[B]

No, Your fingers weren't on the trigger?

[A]

No, ma'am, not at all.

[B]

DeGuerin says there is no evidence to contradict that. He says that a crime scene technician acknowledged at trial that the trigger was never separately swabbed for DNA.

[A]

She said, well, I was afraid that the gun would go off. Now, that tells you how dangerous that gun was.

[B]

But Petrina says her mom was not the type of person who would pull a gun on anyone.

[A]

My mom is not violent like that. It didn't make sense to me.

[B]

Instead, Petrina believes her mom was in the closet that night because she was packing.

[A]

I think she was trying to leave that night.

[B]

Prosecutors had Ezra Washington tell the jury about those phone conversations with Renard where Renard talked about his frustrations.

[A]

I just want to get him the truth, everything that came out of his mouth that I know.

[B]

But the prosecutors ran into a problem. They say Ezra told them he spoke to Renard using apps on his phone and they were unable to find records of those calls. DeGuerin says he doesn't believe those conversations ever took place. Are you saying Ezra Washington then when he testified because he was a key witness for the prosecution, was he lying when he talked about those phone calls?

[A]

I wouldn't call him a key witness, particularly when we were able to show that there was no record of those calls. He didn't talk to me. He lied. He didn't talk to me.

[B]

I mean, why would he make that up?

[A]

I don't know why he would make that up.

[B]

And Renard says he had no reason to kill his wife. Had there been conversations about separation or divorce between you and Patricia?

[A]

No.

[B]

She hadn't talked about leaving you?

[A]

No. No. All that's lies.

[B]

As the case went to the jury, no one knew who the jurors were going to believe.

[A]

It was tough. People point fingers at you. You did it. And I know deep inside that I didn't. If you were on the jury, what would be the most important evidence in this case? Chat now with the 48 Hours team on Facebook and x. I've never stopped having hope and had faith.

[B]

On December 6, 2023, after 12 hours of deliberations over two days, the jury in Renard Spivey's murder trial reached a verdict.

[A]

My heart is. You know, I'm emotional. I don't know what to expect.

[B]

And found him.

[A]

Happy anniversary. Happy anniversary. Team Spivey.

[B]

Not guilty.

[A]

I fall to the floor crying. Bull crying. My attorneys helped pick me up. My family, you know, Very emotional. Yeah, all.

[B]

Renard's sister, Renee, was relieved.

[A]

I wanted it to be over with because I'm concerned about him. I'm concerned about his well being, his life, how he's handling this.

[B]

But she says there were no winners.

[A]

She lost her life, and I was feeling for her. And his life would never be the same.

[B]

On the other side of the aisle, Patricia's family and friends say they couldn't believe the jury's decision.

[A]

I'm just. I'm numb. I do not believe that she received justice at all. I felt like I held my breath. And then not guilty. I don't understand how they got there. I didn't believe him.

[B]

Renard's attorney says the jurors just weren't convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that his client was the one who fired that gun.

[A]

I think was very important to the jury that the prosecution never proved whose finger was on the trigger. And it's very important because the prosecution has a burden of proof. And the. The gun was so important. The fact that it's such a dangerous design of a gun that will go off so easily, there just wasn't enough evidence to disprove his story.

[B]

Since the trial, Patricia's family say they have had a hard time processing their loss.

[A]

Felt like it was way too soon for me to be at her funeral. Facebook has this. These memories and just seems like every other day pictures will come up. I think about the times that we shared, the good times. My mom was still important. Like, she was important to me. I just miss that unconditional love. I have no anchor. Like, she's gone, so she was my anchor. Yeah. So, yeah, I'm hurting, so I know how they feel. Actually, I would like to, you know, come to their family, go to their family and say, hey, look, you know, I loved her, you know, and they knew that. There's no doubt in my mind that they knew I loved Patricia.

[B]

Marshall Bernard says since his acquittal, he has been active in his community.

[A]

I work for an organization, and I volunteer for Healing for Hoodies and we feed the homeless every Sunday.

[B]

Leaning on his family and friends, A.

[A]

Lot of the officers, a lot of other. We knew that you didn't do that. We knew that you would get, you know, found not guilty. We know you. We know your character. We know what type of person you are. Man, I appreciate it, man. I appreciate it. God is good. God is good.

[B]

But he says he still misses his wife.

[A]

You remember stuff that she used to like. You remember the music. You remember the food she like, you know, what color dress, certain things she like. You remember all that. So every day, it's a challenge. I can't sleep at night. I live with it every day. Join me Tuesday for postmortem from 48.

[B]

Hours, where we'll dive even deeper into.

[A]

Today'S episode and answer your questions about the case.

[B]

If you like this podcast, you can listen ad free right now by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery app.

[A]

Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a quick survey at wondery.com.

[B]

Survey.