Re-trial for Jeff Spence set for March in Calhoun County

A Virginia man accused of murdering his daughter’s boyfriend in Tippah County will face a retrial in March, this time in Calhoun County, according to court documents that were filed this week.

Jeffrey Spence, 67, of Saltville, Virginia, is charged with capital murder in the November 30, 2022, shooting death of 36-year-old Kirby Carpenter. Carpenter lived with Spence’s daughter, Caitlin, and their infant daughter in rural Tippah County at the time of the killing.

Spence’s first trial was held in Pontotoc County after a change of venue but ended in a mistrial when the jury deadlocked 6–6 after three days of deliberation. Circuit Judge Kelly Luther ordered a retrial and denied bond, meaning Spence will remain in custody until the new proceedings begin. The defense said since there was a 6-6 jury, Spence should be granted bond but the court denied this motion in the Capital Murder case.