Dallas Public Defender Investigator Charged in Wife’s Killing

Dallas police said officers responded to a call in the 2300 block of North Akard Street late Friday, November 6. Emergency responders found 52-year-old Maria Teresa Spurger inside the apartment with a knife in her neck. She died after being found; accounts of the incident differ on whether she was taken to a hospital or died at the scene.

An arrest affidavit says responders arrived around 10:40 p.m. for a welfare check. After receiving no answer, they forced their way into the apartment, with furnishings positioned to block the doorway. They found Jimmy Spurger sitting on a bed, covered in blood, with a small knife nearby. Investigators also found blood-covered, empty pill bottles in the kitchen.

Spurger was transported to Methodist Central Hospital when officers believed he may have ingested multiple pills. He was arrested Saturday morning, November 7, and lodged at the Lew Sterrett Jail under a warrant alleging first-degree murder. A magistrate signed the warrant and ordered that he be held without bond.

The couple had been husband and wife for about 35 years. He had spent 11 months in a senior investigative role at the county’s public defense agency, following more than 13 years with the office. His previous work included more than 20 years in law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.