A man serving a life sentence for the brutal assault and murder of a grandmother is seeking a retrial nearly 27 years after the crime. Jeremy Motyka, aged 50, was convicted in 2001 for the first-degree murder and sexual assault of Angela Spence-Shaw, 66. The tragic incident occurred in May 1999 in Little Compton, Rhode Island.
The victim, Angela, was found dead in her bathtub after being raped, beaten, and submerged with a hairdryer. Motyka, who was part of a construction crew working on Angela’s home at the time, has consistently proclaimed his innocence. He alleges that the police planted DNA evidence against him and is pushing for a new trial.
Angela’s autopsy report revealed that she succumbed to multiple blunt-force injuries and drowning, indicating a violent struggle before her death. She was discovered by a friend after missing work, sparking a community outpouring of grief and remembrance for the beloved resident.
Motyka’s defense strategy includes claims of inadequate legal representation and challenges to the validity of DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene. He asserts his innocence based on alibi evidence and points to alleged mishandling and contamination of DNA samples by law enforcement.
The legal battle continues as Motyka’s case undergoes review by the Washington County Superior Court. Despite arguments from both sides, prosecutors maintain that the evidence against Motyka remains solid and his claims lack merit. The court process is ongoing, with previous rulings upholding Motyka’s life sentence without parole.