The Contractor in Her Home Became Her Killer

In 1999, Angela Spence Shaw, a 66 year old grandmother, was found murdered inside her home in Little Compton, Rhode Island. The scene showed signs of a violent struggle that stretched through the house before ending in the bathroom, where she was found in the bathtub. Despite the brutality, nothing appeared to be stolen.

Investigators quickly focused on who had access to the home. Just days earlier, construction work had left the house temporarily unsecured. Among those working there was Jeremy Motyka, a carpenter who knew the layout and had been inside the home.

As detectives investigated further, inconsistencies in Motyka’s story began to surface. Then DNA evidence collected at the scene pointed directly to him. He denied involvement, but his explanations failed to hold up against forensic analysis and expert testimony.

In 2001, Motyka was convicted of first degree murder and sexual assault. Years later, he continues to claim the evidence was planted and is seeking a new trial.

The case remains a powerful example of how access, opportunity, and a single piece of DNA evidence can shape the outcome of a murder investigation.