OCALA, Fla. (Court TV) — A jury has found Bo Pete Jeffrey guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 48-year-old Lisa Jeffrey. The judge sentenced Jeffrey to life in prison. The convicted killer must also pay a $10,000 fine plus court costs.
FILE – This December 2018, booking photo provided by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office shows Bo Pete Jeffrey, who is accused of fatally beating his ex-wife. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)
Bo Pete Jeffrey was convicted of beating 48-year-old Lisa Jeffrey to death on her birthday, November 5, 2018. He then wrapped her body in plastic and hid it under a bed in their RV, authorities say. A pair of bloody boxing gloves were also found with Lisa’s body, according to the arrest affidavit.
The grisly discovery was made after Marion County deputies responded to the residence on a missing persons report on November 27. Days later, they obtained a search warrant after reporting the smell of decomposition. When they re-entered the home, they found Lisa’s remains.
>>>WATCH TRIAL ON DEMAND: FL v. JEFFREY (2021)
According to investigators, Bo said he and Lisa got into a physical altercation the night of her birthday before going to bed. He claims he found Lisa dead in the bathroom the next morning. He allegedly told investigators “he felt responsible for Lisa’s death” and concealed her body, according to the arrest affidavit.
Bo and Lisa were married for five years before divorcing in October 2018. They continued to live together until the time of Lisa’s death.
DAILY TRIAL HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 1 – 7/13/21
- Both sides deliver opening statements:
- Lisa Jeffrey’s daughters and aunt deliver tearful testimony about their mother’s relationship with Jeffrey and his evasive behavior after her disappearance
- Prosecutors play two of three post-Miranda interviews the defendant consented to
- Crime scene technicians identify crime scene photos
DAY 2 – 7/14/21
- Prosecution rests after calling 19 witnesses over two days
- Medical examiner– state’s last witness – says Lisa Jeffrey died of multiple blunt force injuries
- Defense calls a forensic pathologist who offers another cause of death: blunt force trauma from alcohol-related falls
- Defendant opts not to testify, defense rests
- Two more relatives of the victim describe instances of domestic violence by Jeffrey toward Lisa
