SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — After several days of testimony, the fate of Birch River native Paul Spinks went to jurors who will begin deliberation Wednesday morning.
Spinks was indicted last September for first-degree murder after the death of his wife, Elizabeth Spinks, in 2007.
She was shot and killed Oct. 31, 2007. Paul Spinks was also shot that day and told police an unknown assailant was to blame. Spinks said he and his wife were sitting on their front porch when the shots were fired.
But the prosecution told a very different story. They believe Spinks shot his wife, and then shot himself in the leg to cover his tracks. The prosecution laid out a case that he had a history of violence against his wife, had threatened to kill her earlier that year, and had a motive and means to perform the crime.
In April 2007, Spinks allegedly threatened to kill Elizabeth if she tried to end their relationship. It was eventually discovered that she had hidden divorce papers under the seat of her car, though it’s unclear if Paul Spinks knew of her intentions.
The prosecution also pointed to several irregularities in Spinks’ behavior during the shooting and statements made to police. They claimed he placed as many as 13 phone calls before calling police.
The Spinks’ home was relatively close to a nearby school—close enough that four teachers all heard a loud popping noise and immediately thought it was a gun shot. At least one of those teachers testified that the second shot they heard came about five minutes after the first.
In addition to the teachers, the court heard testimony from Elizabeth’s daughter, several of the troopers who handled the case, forensics experts and a neighbor.
Spinks’ defense contended his version was the truth, pointing to the inability of police to to find a murder weapon. They also said there was no indication Spinks attempted to dispose of evidence away from his home, because there was no blood trail leading away from the scene.
The defense called a former Kanawha County sheriff’s detective who since became a lawyer with a background in criminology and forensics. The expert witness said the absence of gun powder residue on Spinks’ hands and face made it impossible for him to have been the shooter.
The prosecution countered with its own expert witness who testified that it was possible for Spinks to remove gun powder residue. They also highlighted another irregularity during Tuesday’s closing arguments: That Spinks claimed his wife was shot while sitting on the porch. but no blood was found on the chair.
Spinks chose not to testify in his own defense. He also chose not to bifurcate the trial, meaning the jury will decide the questions of guilt and mercy simultaneously.
The jury will begin their deliberation at 9:30 Wednesday morning.