(STAFFORD) – A 29-year-old woman has been convicted of murder and sentenced to 22 years in prison for a 2019 murder in Stafford. Jenise Leann Spruiell, from Spring, was prosecuted for her role in in the shooting death of Cameron Deal.
Evidence presented at the trial revealed that Deal was shot multiple times in a hotel parking lot in Stafford on Nov. 11, 2019. Surveillance video from the property showed Deal walking towards a vehicle parked in the parking lot when a second vehicle appeared. An assailant exited this second vehicle and began shooting Deal until Deal fell to the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
While Stafford detectives were initially unable to identify any suspects, the evidence suggested that the shooting was a retaliation killing for an incident several days prior where Deal was implicated in an aggravated robbery. Through a collection of records, communications, and surveillance video, detectives identified Spruiell as the driver of the first car. Her purpose was to lure Deal out of his hotel room moments before the second vehicle arrived containing the shooter.
Although the defendant was not the shooter in this case, she played a crucial role in the murder, prosecutors said.
“This was a hard case tried on circumstantial evidence,” said District Attorney Brian Middleton. “But let this be a warning to those who would break the law where there is no witness. If the evidence is convincing, our highly-skilled prosecutors will hold you accountable. You are best off just not breaking the law.”
Spruiell was tried in the 268th District Court before Presiding Judge Steve Rogers. Murder is a first-degree felony punishable by 5-99 years, or life, in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The defendant must serve half of her sentence before she can be considered for parole.
Other suspects remain at large who have not been identified. Anyone with information regarding Deal’s murder is encouraged to contact that Stafford Police Department or Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers.
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