A Mississippi man, Jeffrey Spence, is facing a retrial for allegedly murdering his daughter’s boyfriend, Kirby Carpenter, during a robbery. The new trial comes after the first ended in a mistrial in September 2025 when jurors were deadlocked.
Background of the Case
The initial trial began in September 2025, focusing on the events surrounding Carpenter’s death. The judge declared a mistrial after the jury reached a six-six split and could not come to a consensus on Spence’s guilt.
At the time of the incident, Carpenter was in a relationship with Spence’s daughter, Caitlin Spence. Caitlin had previously accepted a plea deal, admitting guilt as an accessory to murder.
Key Testimonies
Caitlin Spence provided critical testimony during the first trial. She claimed that her father confessed to her after she discovered Carpenter’s body on their property. Additionally, she shared text messages indicating her father’s intention to start a business named “Assassin Inc.”
Discovery of the Victim
Kirby Carpenter’s body was located near the driveway of Spence’s property, roughly 30 feet from the carport. His truck was found locked with groceries inside. Notably, keys and a significant amount of cash remained in Carpenter’s pocket at the time.
Defense Claims
Jeffrey Spence’s defense attorneys argue that he had no role in Carpenter’s death. They assert that he was in Virginia when the murder occurred. The defense also highlighted Carpenter’s background, mentioning that he was involved in drug sales and had previously received threats from associates.
Conclusion
The retrial of Jeffrey Spence is set to address the complex circumstances surrounding Kirby Carpenter’s death. With Caitlin Spence’s testimony and surrounding evidence, the case continues to draw public attention.
