| Crime description: |
INMATE 110047 - SPREITZ, CHRISTOPHER J.
On May 19, 1989, the police
stopped Christopher John Spreitz after observing that his car was
smoking and leaking oil. The officer had observed the same car
earlier that night also smoking and leaking oil. The officer
noticed Spreitz had blood and fecal matter on his hands, arms, and
on the front of his clothing. Spreitz said he had been in a fight.
Police checked the location of the alleged fight, and found no
indication any fight had taken place. They photographed Spreitz and
his car, gave him a traffic citation, and then released him. Three
days later, a passing horseback rider discovered the body of Ruby
Reid in the desert. The body and surrounding area were covered in
blood and fecal material. Recalling the condition of Spreitz's
clothing and person when they stopped him, the police again
questioned him about the purported fight, Spreitz admitted picking
up the victim at a convenience store, but claimed the victim went
with him voluntarily to the desert. Spreitz said they struggled in
the desert, and admitted striking her several times before raping
her. He admitted crushing her skull with a rock because she would
not stop screaming, but said he was not sure if she was dead when
he left her. The victim's wounds included a broken jaw, five broken
ribs, numerous bruises on her arms, legs, and trunk. The fatal
wound was a skull fracture, consistent with being struck with a
V-shaped rock. Spreitz was convicted of first-degree murder (both
premeditation and felony-murder), sexual assault, and kidnapping.
PROCEEDINGS
Presiding Judge: Hon. William Sherrill
Prosecutor: Kathleen Mayer
Defense Counsel: Marshall Tandy
Start of Trial: August 9, 1994
Verdict: August 18, 1994
Sentencing: December 21, 1994
Aggravating Circumstances
Especially heinous, cruel or depraved
PUBLISHED OPINIONS
State v. Spreitz, 190 Ariz. 129, 945 P.2d 1260 (1997).
State v. Spreitz, 202 Ariz. 1, 39 P.3d 525 (2002). |
