Dallas County Supervisor Faces Murder Charge in Wife's Stabbing

Jimmy Spurger, a 54-year-old supervisor for the Dallas County Public Defender's Office Investigations, was arrested on Friday night in connection with the stabbing death of his wife.

Police responded to a residence in the 2300 block of North Akard Street in the Uptown neighborhood shortly after 11:00 p.m. to conduct a welfare check. Upon entering the home, officers discovered Maria Spurger, 53, who had sustained injuries from a sharp instrument. Dallas police stated that she was stabbed by a known suspect.

Spurger, who had served as the Investigations Supervisor for the past 11 months, remains employed by the county while facing a murder charge. His professional profile on the county website listed his responsibilities as supervising, training, and directing the professional development of investigation staff. The biography noted that he possessed more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, with a focus on homicide investigations, and previously worked for the Dallas County District Attorney's office.

Judge Clay Jenkins, presiding over Dallas County, issued a statement on X following the news of the arrest. Jenkins said he instructed the administration to suspend the employee and revoke their access to county systems. The judge added that prayers were with the family and all affected parties, including current employees. Jenkins declined to provide further comment on the matter.

Documents obtained by NBC 5 indicate that Spurger was a petitioner in a divorce petition filed on October 26. In that legal action, Maria Spurger was listed as the respondent. The filing occurred weeks before her death.

As of Sunday morning, Spurger's profile remained visible on the county's public website. Dallas police said the specific motive and circumstances surrounding the stabbing are still under investigation. Spurger is currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.