226: Love, Lies, and Murder: A Valentine’s Day Turned Deadly
Serialously with Annie Elise
Deep Dive
What led investigators to suspect Stacey in her husband Richard's murder?
Investigators became suspicious of Stacey after she confessed to having a long-term affair with a co-worker, Juan Reyes, and revealed she had transferred $10,000 from her work’s real estate account to Lenitra Ross. Additionally, tire tracks at the crime scene matched a car owned by Lenitra, who had a close relationship with Stacey. Phone records also showed calls made from the crime scene to Lenitra, further implicating Stacey in a murder-for-hire plot.
Why did Stacey hire a hitman to kill her husband Richard?
Stacey claimed she hired a hitman because her middle son told her Richard was harming him, though she later admitted her son exaggerated the story. Investigators believed her real motive was to avoid a costly divorce, custody battles, and potential spousal support, as she was the primary breadwinner. She also stood to gain $600,000 from Richard’s life insurance policy.
What evidence linked Reggie Coleman to Richard's murder?
Reggie Coleman was linked to the murder through phone records showing he made calls from the crime scene to Lenitra Ross, who was involved in the plot. Additionally, tire tracks at the scene matched the car he used, and Stacey testified that she hired Reggie as a hitman for $10,000 and her grandparents’ car.
How did investigators uncover the murder-for-hire plot?
Investigators uncovered the plot through a combination of evidence, including tire tracks matching Lenitra’s car, phone records showing calls from the crime scene, and Stacey’s financial transactions. Stacey’s confession and testimony during the trial also revealed the details of the agreement between her, Lenitra, and Reggie Coleman.
What was the outcome of the trials for Stacey, Reggie, and Lenitra?
Stacey pleaded guilty to orchestrating the murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Reggie Coleman also pleaded guilty and received a life sentence without parole. Lenitra Ross was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Stacey avoided the death penalty by testifying against Reggie and Lenitra.
What role did Lenitra Ross play in Richard's murder?
Lenitra Ross acted as the intermediary between Stacey and Reggie Coleman, facilitating the murder-for-hire plot. She received a house from Stacey as part of the deal and was present during the planning of the murder. Phone records also showed she communicated with Reggie from the crime scene.
Why did Stacey transfer $10,000 to Lenitra Ross?
Stacey transferred $10,000 to Lenitra Ross as part of the payment for the murder-for-hire plot. Lenitra claimed the money was for home repairs, but investigators discovered it was part of the agreement to kill Richard.
What was the significance of the tire tracks found at the crime scene?
The tire tracks found at the crime scene were crucial evidence, as they matched the car owned by Lenitra Ross, who was involved in the murder plot. Investigators identified the tires as Goodyear Integrity tires, which helped link Lenitra and Reggie Coleman to the scene.
How did Stacey’s financial situation play a role in the murder plot?
Stacey’s financial situation played a significant role, as she was the sole provider for the family after Richard lost his job. Investigators believed she orchestrated the murder to avoid the financial burden of a divorce, custody issues, and potential spousal support. She also stood to gain $600,000 from Richard’s life insurance policy.
What was Stacey’s life like after her arrest and sentencing?
After her sentencing, Stacey claimed to have found God, earned an associate’s degree in biblical studies, and worked toward becoming an ordained minister. She also wrote poems and short stories, including a children’s book for kids with parents in prison, and taught fellow inmates about health care rights. Despite her claims of remorse, she maintained her story about Richard harming her son, which was later disproven.
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