Louisville, Kentucky – When Mary Spalding, 72, was viciously attacked in her own home on December 17, 2018, her sense of safety and closure was shattered. The assault occurred as she was preparing for work, making a routine trip to the basement to retrieve socks – an encounter that left her battered and bruised after being struck over the head with a metal object. Despite calling her sister for help and contacting 911, the investigation into the incident took a tumultuous turn following the tragic death of the lead detective, Deidre Mengedoht, in a car accident on Christmas Eve.
After the initial detective’s untimely death, the case was passed on to different investigators, leading to poor communication, lack of suspects being questioned, and no significant progress in identifying the culprit. Frustrated with the handling of her case, Spalding filed a complaint with Louisville’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which prompted a thorough investigation into the Louisville Metro Police Department’s (LMPD) efforts.
The subsequent report by Inspector General Edward Harness highlighted critical deficiencies within the investigation, citing numerous problems and an institutional failure within the LMPD. Concerns were raised regarding the mishandling of evidence, lack of communication, and failure to follow up on leads – all of which played a significant role in the botched investigation.
One key element of the investigation centered on Spalding’s ex-fiancé, whom she suspected of being behind the attack. Despite evidence pointing towards him, including his knowledge of her routines and possession of a bat similar to the one used in the assault, the detectives failed to thoroughly question or detain him for further investigation. Additionally, shortcomings in evidence collection and testing further complicated the case, with errors in DNA testing and blood sample analysis.
Harness emphasized the need for significant improvements in detective work at the LMPD, suggesting reforms in case management, evidence handling, and caseload distribution to ensure a more effective investigative process. While the OIG’s recommendations aim to address the shortcomings highlighted in Spalding’s case, the department’s response and implementation of these changes remain to be seen.
As the investigation unfolds and efforts to seek justice for Spalding continue, the focus remains on rectifying the flaws within the LMPD’s investigative procedures to prevent future missteps and ensure accountability and efficiency. With the Inspector General’s recommendations as a roadmap, the hope is to improve investigative practices and provide closure for victims like Mary Spalding in cases of violent crimes.