In a shocking turn of events, the investigation into the murder of Kirby Carpenter, a well-known businessman in Tippah County, Mississippi, has taken a dramatic twist. Kirby, 36, was found dead outside his home on December 2, 2022, after being shot multiple times with a shotgun. The discovery has since sparked a heartbreaking quest for justice and unveiled a web of betrayal and deceit.
Kirby Carpenter was a self-made man, dedicated to his family and successful in multiple business ventures, including a coin exchange and a liquor store. Known for his larger-than-life personality and passion for collecting precious metals, Kirby was not just a businessman but a beloved figure in his community. His family describes him as a devoted father, especially after the birth of his daughter in July 2022, which they say brought him immeasurable joy.
The chain of events leading to his untimely death began when Kirby’s fiancĂ©e, Caitlyn Spence, reported him missing after he failed to return home one night. Alarmed by his absence, Caitlyn’s concerns quickly turned to horror when his body was discovered outside their residence, partially covered with a toolbox. Initial investigations suggested that Kirby had been shot in the garage and dragged to the side of the house, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his murder.
As investigators delved deeper, suspicions mounted against Caitlynâs parents, Jeff and Karen Spence. Witnesses reported that Kirby had recently been involved in confrontations over business dealings, and Caitlyn herself raised concerns about âmethheadsâ possibly being involved. However, as the investigation progressed, it became apparent that the true threat may have been closer to home.
Kirbyâs family became increasingly suspicious when they noticed the Spences had left the house shortly before his death and began acting strangely after the murder. They discovered that Jeff Spence had made significant bank deposits shortly after Kirby’s death and had penned a will leaving his assets to his wife. Meanwhile, Caitlynâs behavior began to raise eyebrows, particularly when it was revealed that she had received a text from Kirby shortly before his death, asking where she was.
In a significant development, Caitlyn ultimately made the difficult decision to cooperate with authorities, implicating her father in Kirby’s murder. She testified that during a private conversation, Jeff confessed to killing Kirby, saying, “I did what I had to do.” Caitlynâs plea agreement allowed her to plead guilty to accessory after the fact of murder rather than facing a life sentence. She now wears a GPS monitor as she awaits her sentence.
The case took another turn when investigators found blood evidence in Kirby’s home, leading them to believe that his murder was premeditated. Surveillance footage and missing items, including Kirbyâs large bag of cash and a pistol he always carried, have added layers of complexity to the investigation. The prosecution argues that Caitlyn and her parents conspired in the murder and theft of Kirby’s valuable assets, including precious metals and cash.
As Kirby’s family continues to seek justice, they are reminded of his vibrant spirit and the love he had for his children. Plans for a scholarship fund in Kirbyâs memory are underway, aimed at honoring his legacy and ensuring that his children remember the man he truly was. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains on edge, watching closely as the case of Kirby Carpenter reveals the dark twists of betrayal and the pursuit of truth in the wake of a tragic loss. The trial against Caitlyn’s parents is set for September 2025, and the anticipation of justice hangs heavily in the air.
