TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A New Port Richey man who was convicted of the murder of his ex-wife and her family began the penalty phase of his sentencing.
Shelby Nealy first killed his ex-wife, Jamie Ivancic, in 2018, burying her at their home in New Port Richey. He covered her death by pretending to be her and sending photos of their children to her loved ones.
When Jamie's family became suspicious of Nealy's ruse, he murdered her father, Richard Ivancic, 71; her mother, Laura Ivancic, 59; and her brother, Nicholas Ivancic, 25. He also killed the family's three dogs.
In 2023, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Jamie's death and received a 30-year prison sentence. That same year, Nealy also pleaded guilty to the murder of his in-laws.
He now faces a potential life or death sentence depending on the jury's recommendation. In the state of Florida, juries can recommend the death penalty with an 8-4 vote.
