TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial

Summary

Podcast Summary: "TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial"

Introduction

The CBS News podcast "48 Hours," hosted by Anne-Marie Green, delves into complex crime and justice cases that have deeply impacted society. In the March 24, 2025 episode titled "TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial," the focus is on Renard Spivey, a former deputy sheriff and television bailiff accused of murdering his wife, Patricia Spivey. This detailed summary explores the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented throughout the episode.

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Background of Renard Spivey

Renard Spivey, a long-time deputy sheriff with Harris County and a familiar face on television, served as a bailiff on the popular reality TV show "Justice for All" alongside Christina Perez. Spivey's public persona was that of a dedicated law enforcement officer and a gentle giant, standing at 6'3" and weighing approximately 290 pounds. His involvement in the community and mentorship of younger officers painted him as a respected figure both on and off the screen.

Notable Quote:

"He's the big brother, the father, the uncle. I just want to thank y'all for all the well wishes. I have never seen Spivey in any kind of altercation. I never seen him raise his voice." — Gerald Graham, Renard's friend and mentee (10:13)

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The Incident

In the early hours of a warm Houston summer night in 2019, first responders arrived at the Spivey residence to find Patricia Spivey dead from multiple gunshot wounds, while Renard was injured in the leg. The couple had reportedly been engaged in a heated argument over the gun, which Renard claims accidentally discharged during their struggle.

Notable Quotes:

"I love my wife, you know, I did everything for her, anything she wanted. I always treat her like my queen." — Renard Spivey (12:52)

"When we met, I did like it. We kind of hit it off and stuff." — Renard Spivey on proposing to Patricia (07:57)

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Evidence Presented

The prosecution argued that the multiple gunshots indicated intentional harm, suggesting that Renard shot Patricia and then himself to fabricate an accidental death scenario. Surveillance footage captured three clear gunshots, later contested to potentially include a fourth shot meant to simulate self-inflicted injury. The prosecution highlighted Patricia's behavior leading up to the incident, including her frequent postings indicating frustration in the marriage.

Notable Quote:

"The medical examiner ruled it a homicide, which is an intentional killing." — Lisa Andrews, Former Prosecutor (09:20)

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Family Perspectives

Patricia Spivey's family portrayed her as a compassionate caregiver, deeply involved in helping others and maintaining strong familial bonds. They expressed disbelief and sorrow over Renard's accusation, emphasizing that Patricia was not the type to wield a gun aggressively. Concerns were raised about Renard's behavior changes, perceived steroid use, and controlling tendencies, which allegedly strained their marriage.

Notable Quotes:

"She was kind of like the glue. Her being gone, really, you notice it that she's gone." — Patricia's family member (13:34)

"She was more or less his actions afterwards. I didn't see any remorse from him. I don't think it was an accident." — Patricia's family member (28:58)

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Defense and Prosecution Arguments

Prosecution: Lisa Andrews and other prosecution figures focused on the multiple gunshots and the possibility of Renard attempting to cover up the murder by inflicting harm upon himself. They questioned the authenticity of key witness testimonies, particularly those of Ezra Washington, Patricia's childhood friend, whose statements regarding Renard's frustrations were undermined by the lack of evidence supporting his claims.

Defense: Renard's attorneys, Dick and Mike DeGuerin, presented a self-defense narrative, arguing that Patricia was the aggressor wielding the gun. They emphasized the lack of conclusive evidence linking Renard's finger to the trigger and highlighted the gun's design, which could easily discharge during a struggle. They also contested the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses and underscored the ambiguous nature of Patricia's last online activity.

Notable Quotes:

"It's like he can't bring himself to say what he's done for him not to reveal that information." — Mike DeGuerin, Defense Attorney (24:54)

"Self defense fits because she was threatening him with a gun and he grabbed her wrist and the gun." — Lisa Andrews (32:44)

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Trial Proceedings

The trial faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, extending proceedings over four and a half years. During the trial, the jury was presented with conflicting testimonies, security footage, and forensic evidence. Key moments included analyzing the home surveillance tapes, examining the gun's functionality, and evaluating the emotional state and movements of Renard post-incident. The defense aimed to cast doubt on the prosecution's theory by highlighting procedural inconsistencies and the possibility of an accidental discharge amidst a heated altercation.

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Verdict and Reactions

After deliberating for approximately 12 hours over two days, the jury acquitted Renard Spivey of Patricia's murder, declaring him not guilty. The verdict elicited mixed emotions: Renard and his family expressed relief and vindication, while Patricia's family felt numb and unjustly denied justice. Renard, now free, has been active in community service and continues to grapple with the loss of his wife.

Notable Quotes:

"Happy anniversary to you too, dear Happy anniversary to you." — Renard Spivey during verdict announcement (40:56)

"Ms. Mine, not guilty." — Verdict declaration (41:02)

"I'm numb. I do not believe that she received justice at all." — Patricia's family member (41:58)

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Conclusion

The "TV Bailiff Spivey on Trial" episode of "48 Hours" presents a nuanced exploration of a high-profile murder case intertwined with personal relationships, public personas, and legal complexities. While Renard Spivey's acquittal underscores the challenges of establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, it leaves lingering questions and emotional scars for all parties involved. The podcast effectively captures the multifaceted nature of the case, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the events, evidence, and human elements that define this tragic narrative.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• 911 Call:

  "What is your emergency? A shots fired. What is your name? My name is Renard Spivey. Me and my wife in an argument, I accidentally shot her." (01:10)

• Family Skepticism:

  "It was more or less his actions afterwards. I didn't see any remorse from him. I don't think it was an accident." (28:58)

• Defense Perspective:

  "Self defense fits because she was threatening him with a gun and he grabbed her wrist and the gun." (32:44)

• Renard’s Emotions Post-Verdict:

  "I fall to the floor crying. Bull crying. My attorneys helped pick me up. My family, you know, very emotional. Yeah. Oh." (41:08)

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Final Thoughts

"48 Hours" meticulously navigates through the intricate layers of the Renard Spivey case, balancing investigative reporting with human interest elements. By including direct quotes and timestamps, the podcast allows listeners to grasp the emotional and factual dimensions of the trial, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in criminal justice narratives.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Renard Spivey]

What is your emergency? A shots fired. What is your name? My name is Renard Spivey. Me and my wife in an argument, I accidentally shot her.

[Narrator]

You accidentally shot her?

[Lisa Andrews]

Yeah.

[Renard Spivey]

Here's the police.

[Lisa Andrews]

Where you at, ma'am?

[Renard Spivey]

Sir? Yeah, back here. All right.

[Lisa Andrews]

Where's the weapon?

[Renard Spivey]

Right here.

[Lisa Andrews]

Stay away from it. I don't want to see it in your hand, you understand?

[Patricia's Family Member]

Where's she at?

[Renard Spivey]

On the floor. Where you okay, his leg. All right, shutting the leg.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Renard Spivey]

We was arguing, tussling with the gun and we had been arguing all day. Okay, go ahead and put your hands behind your back.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Lisa Andrews]

Renard Spivey was a long time deputy sheriff and the deceased was his wife Pat or Patricia Spivey.

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

There was a lot of publicity because he had been on a very popular reality TV show, Justice for all with Christina Perez.

[Renard Spivey]

All rise. Court is now in session.

[Patricia's Family Member]

He was the perfect person in front of everybody else. I think he thought the camera was always on.

[Narrator]

When it comes to how your mom died, do you think it was accidental?

[Patricia's Family Member]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Defense Attorney]

I think they were very important. On the surveillance, you clearly hear the three gunshots.

[Narrator]

One, two, three.

[Defense Attorney]

The prosecution's theory is that he shot her and then shot himself to cover it up.

[Patricia's Family Member]

You don't accidentally shoot someone more than once.

[Narrator]

Was the autopsy Consistent with an accidental shooting.

[Defense Attorney]

Well, ultimately, I guess that's the million dollar question.

[Lisa Andrews]

Whose finger was on the trigger?

[Defense Attorney]

Who was the aggressor?

[Lisa Andrews]

She was threatening him with a gun.

[Defense Attorney]

If he is the aggressor, then this is a murder. If she is the aggressor, this was either self defense or an accident.

[Narrator]

This is the 9 millimeter gun.

[Lisa Andrews]

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.

[Defense Attorney]

There was no single piece of physical evidence that really conclusively pointed towards a particular verdict.

[Narrator]

Did you intentionally shoot your wife?

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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 from multiple gunshot wounds.

[Renard Spivey]

We can definitely see a wound in.

[Lisa Andrews]

Her abdomen right there.

[Renard Spivey]

Okay.

[Lisa Andrews]

Will it be the entry point?

[Renard Spivey]

It looks like it. We don't know if that's the only.

[Lisa Andrews]

One, but that's definitely one there.

[Renard Spivey]

Those signs alive.

[Narrator]

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.

[Lisa Andrews]

What'd you shoot her?

[Renard Spivey]

We was tussling in the Chancellor.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

Your deputy sergeant. Lieutenant. Deputy.

[Narrator]

And played a bailiff on tv.

[Renard Spivey]

All right.

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

Tell me the truth.

[Narrator]

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.

[Renard Spivey]

What happened?

[Lisa Andrews]

You didn't hear anything?

[Renard Spivey]

I haven't heard anything. I know.

[Lisa Andrews]

We just need your statement.

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

If you get shot once, you're not gonna make the gun go off again.

[Renard Spivey]

That's what I'm saying.

[Narrator]

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.

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

It was more like, what happened?

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

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

[Narrator]

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.

[Patricia's Family Member]

It was.

[Narrator]

But you held it together.

[Patricia's Family Member]

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.

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

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.

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

She was a fun person. She was spontaneous, and she was just a beautiful person.

[Narrator]

Renard had popped the question in 2013 after Patricia pointed at a ring she.

[Renard Spivey]

Liked at a store right there where the ring was. Come here and show you. I proposed, got on my knees and proposed to her.

[Narrator]

And if she said yes right away, she said yes.

[Renard Spivey]

And we had fun. We celebrated in Hawaii.

[Narrator]

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?

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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.

[Defense Attorney]

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.

[Narrator]

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?

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

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.

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

This episode is brought to you by Enterprise Mobility. From fleet management to flexible truck rentals to technology solutions, Enterprise Mobility helps businesses find the right mobility solutions so they can find new opportunities. Because if your business is on the road, they want to make sure it's on the road to success. Enterprise Mobility moving you moves the world. Find your road@enterprise mobility.com this episode is brought to you by Shopify. Upgrade your business with Shopify, home of the number one checkout on the planet. Shop pay boosts conversions up to 50%, meaning fewer carts going abandoned and more sales going cha ching. So if you're into growing your business, get a commerce platform that's ready to sell wherever your customers are. Visit shopify.com to upgrade your selling today. 48 hours after he was charged with the murder of his wife, Harris county sheriff's deputy Renard Spivey posted bond $50,000.

[Renard Spivey]

I was in jail probably a couple.

[Narrator]

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?

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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, Cybill Shepherd.

[Patricia's Family Member]

I don't think that his bond was high enough for murder. Being a sheriff, I think he got a lot of privilege in that instance.

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

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.

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

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.

[Lisa Andrews]

She was very accomplished.

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

How would you describe Renard Spivey?

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

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.

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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.

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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?

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

He didn't like Silba 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.

[Patricia's Family Member]

He definitely felt, you know, intimidated by the relationship, you know, that we had.

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

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.

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

They argued quite a bit.

[Narrator]

What did she complain about with him?

[Patricia's Family Member]

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

[Narrator]

The mood swings a lot of up and down?

[Patricia's Family Member]

Yes.

[Narrator]

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?

[Patricia's Family Member]

Yes.

[Narrator]

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 shoot.

[Renard Spivey]

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.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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?

[Renard Spivey]

No. Never.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

And what'd you say to her?

[Renard Spivey]

I told her, no. That's crazy.

[Narrator]

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.

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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.

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

And 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 me.

[Narrator]

Tension between Renard and his wife Patricia turned frightening.

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

When Patricia threatened him with his gun, where do you keep your gun?

[Renard Spivey]

On the dresser.

[Narrator]

So it's on your side of the bag?

[Renard Spivey]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

And is it always loaded?

[Renard Spivey]

It's always loaded.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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 to try to take the weapon away from him.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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.

[Narrator]

So you got shot first?

[Renard Spivey]

I got shot first.

[Narrator]

Then what happened?

[Renard Spivey]

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.

[Narrator]

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.

[Lisa Andrews]

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.

[Narrator]

But former prosecutor Lisa Andrews says it is not certain that only two shots struck her. 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.

[Defense Attorney]

There's a lot of controversy about how many times she was actually shot.

[Narrator]

One shot is an accident. Three shots.

[Defense Attorney]

Well, I mean, that's the question, right?

[Narrator]

Investigators poured 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 the gunshot recorded about a minute and a half after the three other ship. Different sound, different sound. There was a reason. They say it sounds different than the others.

[Defense Attorney]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

No, ma'am.

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

It is not a gunshot.

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

What is your emergency? A shots fired. Okay, sir.

[Narrator]

Is there an actual patient? There is someone.

[Renard Spivey]

Miss?

[Narrator]

Shot?

[Renard Spivey]

Yes, ma'am.

[Defense Attorney]

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

[Narrator]

Okay, where's the patient?

[Renard Spivey]

They on the floor. And I'm. I'm shot, too.

[Defense Attorney]

He doesn't say my wife or she. It's an emotional step back from what has happened.

[Narrator]

It took Renard 2 1/2 minutes to say he accidentally shot his wife.

[Renard Spivey]

Me and my wife had an argument. I accidentally shot her.

[Defense Attorney]

It's like he can't bring himself to say what he's done for him not to reveal that information. Information with two decades of law enforcement training. To me, that was consciousness. Of guilt.

[Narrator]

But Renard says he wasn't hiding anything.

[Renard Spivey]

When you traumatized and to see your wife shot and you shot two at the same time, it's a lot.

[Narrator]

Where's the gun?

[Lisa Andrews]

It's on. You can hear the strain in his voice. So you know he's in pain. He was confused and probably going into shock.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

Is not awake and not breathing normally.

[Narrator]

Sir, we need to perform CPR on her.

[Renard Spivey]

I said we need to perform CPR on her.

[Defense Attorney]

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

[Narrator]

You can hear what sounds like Renard doing chest compressions.

[Renard Spivey]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[Narrator]

But a little while later, you can see on the home security cameras, Renard takes a break without mentioning it to the 911 operator. Need to apply for indirect pressure to your wounds and her wounds, but we still need to continue the CPR.

[Renard Spivey]

Okay, ma'am.

[Narrator]

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

[Defense Attorney]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

Is then heard breaking down. Ma'am, I'm here, Mr. Spivey. Just keep going.

[Renard Spivey]

You're doing great.

[Narrator]

Sir, if you can continue, please continue.

[Renard Spivey]

He loved her. Happy anniversary to you too, dear Happy anniversary to you. He really loved her.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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.

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

But he told authorities about his conversations with Renard.

[Renard Spivey]

I told him everything.

[Narrator]

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.

[Patricia's Family Member]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

He would never ever intentionally pull a weapon to kill. I knew him. I knew he was going to get a not guilty verdict.

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Renard Spivey]

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[Lisa Andrews]

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[Narrator]

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[Lisa Andrews]

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[Narrator]

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[Lisa Andrews]

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[Lisa Andrews]

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[Narrator]

Prices and participation vary while supplies last. Taxes, tips and fees extra. As Patricia Spivey's family waited for their day in court, the coronavirus pandemic stalled the proceedings. Four and a half years passed by.

[Patricia's Family Member]

That's not justice.

[Narrator]

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.

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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.

[Patricia's Family Member]

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

[Narrator]

The state told the jury Renard shot Patricia intentionally after she threatened to leave their marriage.

[Defense Attorney]

The prosecution's theory is that almost like he, he was angry. They were arguing he was being accused of things by her.

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

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.

[Narrator]

Happened next was an accident.

[Lisa Andrews]

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.

[Narrator]

You have it right there.

[Lisa Andrews]

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.

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

We went with Dagarin to the doorway of the closet inspector by these house. A pretty sizable closet. It's like a.

[Lisa Andrews]

It's a big closet.

[Narrator]

Big closet where he showed us what he says happened.

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

And so she got away from me. Okay.

[Lisa Andrews]

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.

[Narrator]

Okay, left hand comes off.

[Lisa Andrews]

And the gun went off again and.

[Narrator]

Shot her in the chest.

[Lisa Andrews]

In the chest.

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

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.

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

Where's she at?

[Renard Spivey]

She's laying on the floor.

[Narrator]

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?

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

And why? How did it end up here?

[Lisa Andrews]

Because that's where they fell.

[Narrator]

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 seeing seen on camera for the last 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.

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

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.

[Lisa Andrews]

They were in quick succession inside of four seconds.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

I didn't pull the trigger.

[Narrator]

No, your fingers weren't on the trigger?

[Renard Spivey]

No, ma'am, not at all.

[Narrator]

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.

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

I think she was trying to leave that night.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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?

[Lisa Andrews]

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

[Renard Spivey]

He didn't talk to me. He lied. He didn't talk to me.

[Narrator]

I mean, why would he make that up?

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

No.

[Narrator]

She hadn't talked about leaving you?

[Renard Spivey]

No. No. All that's lies.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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.

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[Renard Spivey]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever find yourself playing the budgeting Game well with the name your price tool from progressive, you can find options that fit your budget and potentially lower your bills. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Price and coverage match limited by state law. Not available in all states. I've never stopped having hope and had faith.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

And found him.

[Renard Spivey]

Happy anniversary.

[Patricia's Family Member]

Happy anniversary.

[Narrator]

Ms. Mine, not guilty.

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

Renard's sister Renee was relieved.

[Renard Spivey]

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.

[Narrator]

But she says there were no winners.

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Lisa Andrews]

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 gun was so important. The fact that it's such a dangerous design of a gun that would go off so easily.

[Defense Attorney]

There just wasn't enough evidence to disprove his story.

[Narrator]

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

[Patricia's Family Member]

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, you know, 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. My anchor. Yeah. So, yeah.

[Renard Spivey]

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 Marshall.

[Narrator]

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

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

Leaning on his family and friends, A.

[Renard Spivey]

Lot of the officers, a lot of other people, 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 you. God is good. God is good.

[Narrator]

But he says he still misses his wife.

[Renard Spivey]

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

[Narrator]

Join me Tuesday for postmortem from 48 hours, where we'll dive even deeper into today's episode and answer your questions about the case.