Watch Kirby Carpenter Murder Trial Day Two LIVE as Jeff Spence Faces Capital Murder Charge

The Murder Trial of Jeff Spence continues on day 2 Thursday and you can watch all of the action live.

Check the action below or on the CourtTV YouTube here.

Here is a review of what went on in Day 1:

The trial of Jeffrey Spence on murder charges began Wednesday, as prosecutors and defense attorneys delivered opening statements in the death of Kirby Carpenter, the on-again, off-again boyfriend of Spence’s daughter, Caitlin.

Prosecution: Motive of Greed and Deception

In his opening statement, Prosecutor Thad Mueller told jurors that the evidence will show Spence was driven by money and greed to rob and kill Carpenter. Mueller argued that Spence stood to gain financially from eliminating his daughter’s romantic partner and inheriting or gaining control over assets tied to Carpenter.

Mueller recounted how Caitlin met Carpenter while working at a Tractor Supply store, and that the couple welcomed a child in July 2022. The state asserts that Carpenter was murdered on November 30, and that Caitlin discovered his body and called 911 on December 2. Mueller said investigators later found items belonging to Carpenter inside the Spence home, suggesting a connection between Spence and the crime.

Defense: Alibi, Witness Credibility, Alternate Explanations

Defense attorney David Hill countered that Spence was in his Virginia home on the day Carpenter was killed, challenging the prosecution’s timeline. Hill noted that Jeff and Karen Spence had traveled to Mississippi for Thanksgiving and departed on November 29 — he’s insisting that Spence was not present when the murder occurred. He also highlighted the fact that charges were not brought until a year later.

Hill’s strategy focused heavily on attacking the credibility of two key witnesses: David Barnes, a former associate of Carpenter, and Caitlin herself. He delved into Barnes’ criminal history, arguing that his past undermines his reliability. Hill further questioned Caitlin’s testimony, painting Carpenter as a man who led a dangerous life and was subject to threats from others, including claims that he dealt in lab diamonds and sold meth. According to Hill, Spence simply purchased items from Carpenter, explaining why some of his property might have been found in the Spence residence.

Crime Scene and Estate Testimony

Investigator Chris McAllister, who responded to the scene, walked the court through the state’s timeline, including details of Caitlin’s 911 call (much of which was inaudible due to her emotional state). McAllister said Carpenter’s body was found about 30 feet from his carport, with his keys and a large sum of cash still on his person and his truck doors locked. A curtain was draped over his body, and a toolbox was placed atop it. Crime scene photos showed drag marks between his body and a pool of blood near the carport. McAllister testified that, in his 20 years of experience, the scene suggested someone who knew Carpenter committed the crime — rather than a random robber, who would likely act more swiftly. Carpenter sustained a gunshot wound to his right chest, and a satchel he was known to carry was missing. His home’s security system (Blink) offered no footage covering the time of death.

Bart Adams, attorney for the Carpenter estate, testified about the post-death turmoil surrounding Carpenter’s assets. He said he had known Carpenter for over a decade and was familiar with his dealings in gold, silver, real estate, liquor, and music. Adams described how Carpenter habitually carried large amounts of cash, guns, and a satchel for property documents. He explained that after Carpenter’s death, multiple individuals — including Jeff, Karen, Caitlin, and Carpenter’s own mother — removed items from his home, prompting Adams to order their return for proper inventory.

Adams further detailed how the estate was opened the same day Carpenter died, though no will was found. With assets estimated around $1.5 million, Adams explained difficulties in securing and storing items, and security issues such as an attempted break-in at a vault used for estate storage. He also disclosed that his own office had been burglarized the night after moving items, with losses estimated at $3,000 to $4,000.

What To Watch for Next

As the trial proceeds, the court will likely see testimony from Caitlin Spence, the prosecution’s witness Barnes, forensic experts, and possibly additional witnesses to trace the origin and chain of custody of items allegedly belonging to Carpenter. The jury will be asked to weigh sharply differing versions of events: a methodical, profit-driven killing vs. a wrongful accusation based on unreliable testimony and speculation.

Given the high stakes — both in terms of life and legacy — the courtroom is expected to remain tense and the spotlight unrelenting.