Tippah County, Mississippi – A man from Virginia, charged with the murder of his daughter's partner, is set to undergo a new trial in March, now in Calhoun County.

 Tippah County, Mississippi – A man from Virginia facing charges for the murder of his daughter's boyfriend is set for a retrial in March, this time in Calhoun County. Jeffrey Spence, 67, hailing from Saltville, Virginia, is accused of capital murder following the shooting death of 36-year-old Kirby Carpenter on November 30, 2022.

At the time of the incident, Carpenter resided with Spence's daughter, Caitlin, and their young child in the rural area of Tippah County. Officials stated that the tragic event took place within the family residence, leaving the local community in shock and mourning the passing of a young father.

Spence’s initial trial was conducted in Pontotoc County after a change of venue was approved due to the media coverage and community attention in Tippah County. However, the trial concluded in a mistrial as the jury could not reach a unanimous decision, failing to break the deadlock of six votes for and six against the charges.

Circuit Judge Kelly Luther oversaw the first trial and has now mandated that the retrial occur in Calhoun County, emphasizing the importance of an unbiased environment for both the prosecution and the defense to effectively present their arguments.

Opting to hold the retrial in Calhoun County introduces a new chapter in a case that has captured attention in several counties. Legal analysts point out that changing venues is a common practice in high-profile cases to help minimize potential jury bias.

Spence remains incarcerated after the judge denied the request for bail, citing both the seriousness of the offense and the potential risk to community safety. According to court documents, he is to remain detained until the retrial commences in March.

The families of both the accused and the victim have been vigilant in monitoring the proceedings. Relatives of Carpenter have voiced their sorrow about his untimely death, depicting him as a caring partner and dedicated father whose life ended in tragedy.

The retrial will examine the events related to the shooting in November 2022. Prosecutors argue that Spence deliberately killed Carpenter during an altercation at the residence where Carpenter lived with Spence's daughter. Meanwhile, defense lawyers argue that uncertainties remain regarding the sequence of events that led to the shooting that resulted in death.

Residents in Tippah County are still reflecting on the effects of the crime. Community leaders and residents voiced their worries about the violence, while also highlighting the critical role of the justice system in uncovering the facts.

With the retrial on the horizon in Calhoun County, both sides are gearing up for a case that is set to attract renewed interest from the media and the public. The verdict will decide if Spence will encounter the maximum consequences of a capital murder ruling or if the jury discovers different reasons for acquittal or lesser offenses.