Pullman, Washington – The Whitman County Prosecutor’s Office has recently leveled more severe charges against a 36-year-old man from Pullman accused of the murder of his estranged wife. Jacob Spray now faces charges of 1st degree murder, 1st degree rape, and attempted 1st degree arson in Whitman County Superior Court. During his new arraignment on Tuesday morning, Spray pleaded not guilty to the counts in front of Judge Gary Libey.
Initially arrested for 2nd degree murder, Spray was charged on March 26 for strangling and killing his 25-year-old estranged wife, Jamie Spray, inside the camper trailer where she resided on Military Hill. In addition to this, evidence suggests that he attempted to set the trailer on fire after allegedly killing Jamie that afternoon.
Newly revealed court documents introduced to support the upgraded charge to premeditated 1st degree murder highlight a crucial piece of evidence – the discovery of a camera secretly placed in Jamie’s trailer, which Jacob removed two days prior to the incident. The rape charge was also added, alleging that Jacob sexually assaulted Jamie before her death, along with the finding of the key to her trailer in a neighboring backyard.
Following a confession to his father about the murder, a witness identified a man matching Jacob’s description and vehicle at the scene of the killing. Despite facing the potential of life in prison if convicted, Jacob has chosen not to waive his right to a speedy trial, scheduled to commence on July 29. First degree murder carries a more severe sentencing range than 2nd degree murder, further complicating his legal situation.