Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of murder. Reader discretion is advised.
The recent episode of Death by Fame, titled “Day in Court,” aired on ID on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET. It explored the death of Patricia Spivey after she was accidentally shot by her husband, Renard Spivey. Renard is a former sheriff’s deputy who shot to fame as the bailiff on the court TV show Justice for All With Judge Cristina Perez.
Renard Spivey was acquitted of his wife’s murder on December 6, 2023. The acquittal came more than four years after he contacted 911 and reported that an accidental shooting had occurred at the couple’s residence. He said that before the shooting, he and his wife Patricia were “tussling” with a gun. Authorities found Patricia Spivey dead in the closet of the couple’s bedroom. Aside from finding a substantial amount of blood, three bullet casings along with a 9 mm semi-automatic gun had also been found by the investigators, KPRC reported.
According to Renard Spivey, the couple had been “arguing all day.” As they tussled with the gun, three shots were fired. One of them injured Renard’s left thigh, while the other two struck Patricia’s right arm and chest. The first bullet went through her arm and into her chest, which broke her arm. The second bullet also went through her chest and into her heart and lungs, leading to her death.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office said that the court had an opportunity to hold Renard Spivey guilty of a lesser charge of manslaughter. However, the verdict declared him innocent. He was acquitted of all charges as the jury, after 12 hours of deliberation, found the shooting to be accidental, as said in Renard Spivey’s statement.
What was Renard Spivey initially charged with?
The day after the shooting occurred, Renard Spivey was arrested on charges of intentionally shooting his wife. Authorities alleged that Patricia had been shot twice and that Renard, who is right-hand-dominant, had been shot in his left thigh. Ezra Washington, Patricia’s brother, told authorities that Renard had called him three times on the night before the shooting. He also told them that the couple had been having a rough patch in their marriage. Patricia had been suspecting that Renard might be having an affair or might be back on steroids, CNN reported.
According to ABC 13, a neighbor of the couple reported that he woke up to loud noises at 3 a.m. on the night of the shooting. When he called authorities, Renard Spivey explained that the shooting was entirely accidental over the call.
Renard Spivey was arrested in the Harris County Jail on July 29, 2019. After his arrest, prosecutors had initially asked for a bail of $100,000. They believed he was a threat to the community and that he might attempt to flee. However, he was then released on a $50,000 bond.
Renard was 63 years old at the time of the shooting, and his wife, Patricia, was 52. She was rushed to the Ben Taub Hospital, where she was declared dead. Renard was also rushed to the same hospital and received treatment for his wound. As per reports, he was previously a drill sergeant with the US Marine Corps and had been trained in firearms, martial arts, bodybuilding, and wrestling.
“Day in Court” aired on ID on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET.
