'It's broken us': Victims' family gives emotional testimony in Shelby Nealy sentencing trial
Share and Follow


PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — It was an emotional day in court as the sentencing trial for Shelby Nealy continued Friday. Nealy was convicted of killing his ex-wife’s parents and her brother, following the murder of his ex-wife.

Crying on the stand, Renee Splitt shared a sacred memory of her father. The court played a voicemail from Splitt’s father, Richard Ivancic, for the jury to hear.

“Hi sweetie, this is dad. Wanted to say happy birthday. I’d sing happy birthday to you, but I won’t get (inaudible)…. hope you had a good day sweetie, bye,” said Richard on the voicemail.

Splitt told the jury that recording is all she has left. Richard, her brother Nick, and stepmother Laura were brutally murdered by Shelby Nealy.

Nealy faces a life or death sentence, and he sat still in court Friday while Splitt gave her victim impact statement.

“This storm that has stretched over six and a half years to get to this day, today. And the grief that we bear, it isn’t just emotional, at times it feels really physical; it seeps into our bones, it’s aged us. It’s broken us in many ways. And it’s stolen so much from us,” Splitt said.

The state attorney called medical examiners and law enforcement to the stand. They recapped the gruesome crime scene at the family home.

“The first thing I noticed was several holes through the skull,” said Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Joseph Schlotter. “Had what appeared to be blood splatter on the walls of the bathroom.”

Splitt shared family photos. She told the jury her father was everything a father should be. She said Laura was a sweet soul. Splitt said her brother Nick was young and full of life.

She said she and her remaining family members will have no peace in the end.

“We’ve been irreparably shattered by the murders of our family members,” Splitt said.

Court will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 21.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

StormTeam 3: Scorching Weekend Ahead with Minimal Break from the Heat

Hi there! Storm Team 3 Meteorologist Alysa Carsley here – let’s have…

Individual Accused of Rape and Animal Cruelty Following Bluff City Incident

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A man faces charges of aggravated assault,…

Man Admits Guilt in 2013 Sexual Assault After Sending Disturbing Facebook Message

GETTYSBURG, Pa. (AP) — An American extradited from France to face charges that he…

Key Information on Arson and Explosives Units Following Los Angeles Training Facility Blast

Three members of the arson and explosives unit of the Los Angeles…

Local Springfield resident receives 17-year prison term for distributing meth

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A 38-year-old Springfield man is going to spend…

BCSO Seeks Public Assistance in Finding Missing Man

BURTON, S.C. () — The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is asking…

How to Maximize Air Conditioner Efficiency in Scorching Temperatures

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – With temperatures reaching triple digits over the next…

Trump Administration Requests Release of Epstein Grand Jury Records, Excludes Justice Department Documents

WASHINGTON – Under intense pressure from President Donald Trump’s own supporters, his…