The sentencing for the Tarpon Springs man convicted of killing his wife, three of her family members and their dogs is set to take place Friday.
Shelby Nealy, 32, has already been serving a 30-year sentence for killing his wife, Jamie Ivancic. In 2025, a jury recommended the death penalty for the murders of Jamie’s mom, dad and brother: Richard Ivancic, Laura Ivancic and Nicholas Ivancic.
His sentencing hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. at the Pinellas County Courthouse.
Shelby Nealy murders
Shelby Nealy was arrested in February 2019 after his wife’s body was found buried in a yard at a Port Richey home following a days-long investigation.
It’s believed she might have been dead for about a year. Pasco County investigators at the time of his arrest said Nealy admitted to killing her.
For months, investigators said, Nealy pretended Jamie Ivancic was alive by sending text messages and photos of their two children to family members — he “tricked” them into thinking it was Ivancic who was sending the messages. Family members eventually became suspicious when they didn’t hear her voice.
As they grew more concerned, Nealy intended to kill them, investigators alleged. Police said he also admitted to killing Jamie’s father, Richard Louis Ivancic, 71; mother, Laura Ann Ivancic, 51; and brother, Nicholas James Ivancic, 25. They were found dead on New Year’s Day in their Tarpon Springs home when officers went to do a welfare check.
Officials said the bodies of Richard and Laura were wrapped in area rugs, and Nicolas’ body was wrapped in a painter’s drop cloth.
Detectives also identified the three family dogs killed by Nealy: Bailey, Bloomer and Buddy — three Bichon Frise mixed breeds.
After the murders, Nealy took Laura Ivancic’s Kia and drove it to Ohio because the license tag on his wife’s car had expired, investigators said. He reportedly told authorities he intended to return to the Tarpon Springs home to dispose of the bodies.
He was arrested in Ohio and extradited to Florida.
Nealy pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter with a weapon for his wife’s death. He also admitted guilt to three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and was sentenced to five years in prison for each count.
Nealy’s attorneys argue against death sentence
In December, defense lawyers for Nealy argued against the death penalty recommendation in court, after a jury recommended it in July.
During the hearing, doctors testified saying Nealy shows signs of PTSD and traumatic brain injuries due to several previous altercations when he was attacked while he was homeless. They also said the injuries stem from fights he had with his wife that caused him to become aggressive over the years.
Nealy’s parents testify during trial
Before a jury recommended the death sentence for Nealy, his mother and stepfather took the stand in his defense.
“He’s my son, my first son,” Paul Spenson, who has been Nealy’s stepfather since he was three years old, said.
Alongside him, Lisa Spenson, Nealy’s biological mother, also testified, sharing painful memories from both her past and her son’s.
“That’s my son,” Lisa said tearfully, as the courtroom listened to her describe their life before the tragedy.
The defense focused heavily on Nealy’s background, including the death of his biological father by suicide when Nealy was just 17 years old — a pivotal moment that, his stepfather said, triggered a change in his behavior.
“He was broken. I had never seen Shelby anything like this,” Paul recalled.
He went on to express concern over Nealy’s later relationships, particularly with the mothers of his children.
The court also heard disturbing details about Lisa Spenson’s relationship with Nealy’s biological father, Bobby.
“He held a knife to my throat and told me I was not a good person… that I’d never find anyone who loved me, and if he ever found me again, he would kill me, chop me up, and dispose of me,” Lisa testified.
Previous 10 Tampa Bay News coverage contributed to this report.
