A Reddit Dark Family Confession Led to a Deep Dive into a Murder of a Man and a 3-year-old Boy | Case of Chester Spayd

In the early hours of August 5, 2000, a gruesome murder unfolded in Berks County, Pennsylvania, a quiet community unaccustomed to such brutality. Chester Leroy Spayd III, driven by long-standing animosities and drug-fueled rage, murdered Kenneth Long, his mother’s boyfriend. This case would soon reveal not only Chester’s descent into addiction and violence but also his mother’s alleged complicity in the crime.

Chester Leroy Spayd III grew up in Pennsylvania and spent most of his life in Berks County. By adulthood, his life had been consumed by substance abuse, with a particular addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol. Family members described Chester as

“almost continuously under the influence of beer and crack cocaine,”

and his behavior became increasingly erratic, especially when around Kenneth Long, his mother’s boyfriend.

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The strained relationship between Chester and Kenneth simmered for years, and it was well-known among friends and family. His struggles with addiction compounded these conflicts, making Chester prone to outbursts and erratic behavior.

In the days before the murder, Chester reportedly spent time with friends drinking and using drugs, growing agitated and unstable as the day progressed. Witnesses testified that on the evening of August 4, 2000, Chester discussed his frustrations with an acquaintance, venting about his issues with Kenneth. Witnesses, at the time, dismissed these comments as merely the words of an intoxicated man.

In the early hours of August 5, 2000, Chester confronted Kenneth. During a heated argument, Chester got an axe that in in the home and attacked Kenneth from behind. Forensic reports revealed that Kenneth was struck three times in the back of the head with the axe, which caused severe trauma and led to his immediate death.

After killing Kenneth, Chester needed to hide his crime and he enlisted a friend to help move Kenneth’s body. Together, they transported Kenneth’s remains to a remote location, where they left the body with minimal effort to cover their tracks.

Just hours after the murder, Chester’s mother, Phyllis, placed a 911 call to report Kenneth missing. Police initially approached the case as a missing person’s investigation, but as they conducted interviews and examined the scene, they changed their minds.

Investigators found clear evidence of a violent altercation; blood stains and other signs, and detectives began focusing their attention on Chester. His erratic behavior, combined with his dislike of Kenneth, made him a primary suspect.

On August 7, 2000 police brought Chester in for questioning. Chester denied involvement, but his story soon began to unravel. Eventually, he confessed, admitting to attacking Kenneth with the axe and disposing of the body.

In his confession, Chester reportedly said, “I did it because I just couldn’t stand him anymore. He was always there, always in the way.”

Chester was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including criminal homicide, first-degree murder, aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime, abuse of a corpse, and recklessly endangering another person. He pleaded not guilty.

Chester’s trial started in early 2002, nearly two years after the murder. The prosecution’s case was built on Chester’s confession, forensic evidence, and witness testimony describing his behavior. Prosecutors argued that Chester’s actions were premeditated.

In their defense, Chester’s legal team argued that his actions were the result of a “drug-fueled psychosis,” claiming he was not in control of his actions. His attorney contended that Chester’s addiction and strained relationship with Kenneth made for a volatile environment. Despite these arguments, the jury was ultimately unmoved and found him guilty.

On September 19, 2002, prosecutors added a charge of criminal conspiracy to commit third-degree murder. That same day, Chester pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and abuse of a corpse. As part of a plea, Chester agreed to testify against his mother who he claimed was the “mastermind of the murder.”

Spayd allegedly stated, “She knew what I was going to do, but she didn’t stop me.”

He claimed that his mother even took money from Kenneth’s pants pocket after he was dead, keeping some for herself and giving $100 to him. As they disposed of the body, Phyllis acted as a lookout.

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