Mother cries murder in her son's drug death
Even prosecutors admit 16-year-old Jamie Leavitt died at his home in April 2008 after a drug-fueled beating. But they say they can't prove it, according to court documents. So Rob Spillum, who admits he gave Leavitt the drugs, is only facing six months in jail.
 Rob Spillum |
Prosecutors told Sterck several times there is not enough evidence to charge murder. But she thinks the crime scene photos tell a story no jury can ignore.
They show the meth pipes and bongs, and the coffee cup that held a lethal dose of meth water.
Spillum told detectives he said to Leavitt to "go ahead" and drink the water, knowing he would overdose as soon as he drank it. Spillum then waited three hours to call 911, detectives said.
The photos from the crime scene also show blood spatters in the basement where Spillum says he pinned down the teenager. He told detectives he hit Leavitt several times to calm him down.
Autopsy photos show Leavitt's ears severely bruised, and his nose and teeth broken.
Police arrested Spillum for investigation of murder, but never charged him with it.
"I am going to keep fighting," said Sterck. "I am going to try to get it reopened, and hopefully down the line something will come about and Rob will be charged with murder."
Sterck watched Spillum walk out of court, holding his daughter and knowing he faces only six months in jail. Leavitt's daughter only gets to visit his grave in Wyoming.
"Jamie couldn't have time with his daughter. He got 10 months, and that's it," said Sterck.
Lynnwood police are on the grieving mother's side. They, too, keep pushing for murder charges.
But once Spillum is sentenced next month, it may be too late.