Sheriff's Deputy From Courtroom TV Show Arrested For Allegedly Murdering His Wife

A sheriff’s deputy in Texas who was featured for years as a bailiff on a courtroom TV show was arrested for allegedly murdering his wife over the weekend.

Renard Spivey, a deputy with the Harris County Sheriff's Office in Houston, was arrested after calling 911 at around 3 a.m. on Sunday to report an accidental shooting, ABC 13 reports. Authorities say they found Spivey with a wound on his leg and his wife, Patricia Spivey, dead, according to the outlet.

Prior to the shooting, Renard, 63, and Patricia, 52, were involved in a domestic disturbance, ABC 10 reports. Renard told police that he and his wife were arguing in the closet of their master bedroom over allegations regarding steroid use and infidelity on his part, and had begun “tussling” over a gun, the outlet reports, citing charging documents filed Monday. During the scuffle, the gun went off multiple times, striking Patricia twice and injuring him in the leg, Renard reportedly claimed.

A medical examiner concluded that Patricia, who had bruises on her wrist at the time of her death, was shot first in the arm and a second time in the heart, according to ABC 10. While police say that three bullet casings were recovered from the couple's closet, they also reportedly claim that evidence found at the scene did not support Spivey’s claim that the shooting was accidental.

Renard Spivey Photo: Getty

Renard was arrested Monday on a murder charge and booked at the Harris County Jail, according to ABC 10. His mental health will be assessed, and prosecutors have requested that his bond stipulate that he wear an ankle monitor at all times, agree to urine testing, and not be allowed access to any weapons. They have also requested that he be ordered to abstain from alcohol and drugs and forego any contact with his wife’s family, the station reports.

Renard has been a deputy for 14 years, ABC 10 reports, citing court documents. He’s also had a career as an actor; in addition to small roles in various films, he appeared on a courtroom TV show called “Justice for All with Judge Cristina Perez” for more than 100 episodes between 2012 and 2016, according to his IMDB profile.

There was no documented history of any domestic abuse allegations regarding Renard, the Harris County Sheriff's Office said, according to ABC 13.

The victim’s brother, Ezra Washington, told police that Renard contacted him multiple times on the day his sister was killed to talk to him about the fights he and Patricia were having, ABC 10 reports. Renard allegedly told Ezra that his wife was going to make him “rise up like the Incredible Hulk and it ain’t gonna be good.”

Ezra remembered his sister, who was a volunteer photographer for her church, as someone who “loved life” and was “always smiling,” he told ABC 10.

“I know where she's going. I know the life she lived,” he said. “You know, she did well. Gone too soon but she did well.”

The sheriff’s office is currently reviewing Renard’s employment, according to ABC 10.

“The Harris County Sheriff's Office family extends our sincere condolences to the family of Patricia Spivey as they mourn the loss of their loved one,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a statement obtained by the outlet. “While the facts of this specific case will be determined by a jury, I encourage all victims of domestic violence to seek assistance from law enforcement and others whom they trust. I also ask anyone who suspects a friend or loved one may be the victim of abuse to persist in helping them escape a potentially deadly situation.”