Jeffery A. Spicer, 53, was found dead on September 16, 2018, on property in Wolf Lake, Illinois. Spicer was fatally wounded when a shotgun that had been rigged to a shed door discharged as he opened it. The weapon was tied to the door with a rope, creating a booby trap.

The shed belonged to William Wasmund, 48, of Chester, Illinois. Testimony at trial included a witness who said they saw Wasmund set the trap and warned others it was dangerous; a neighbor discovered Spicer’s body. Wasmund claimed he did not set the gun and that Spicer was trying to steal from him, pointing to no trespassing signs and a broken lock. A Union County jury convicted Wasmund of first-degree murder and aggravated battery, finding the booby trap caused Spicer’s death.

Spicer’s family and friends were left to grieve while the case emphasized the legal consequences of using deadly traps to protect property. Does anyone have information about Spicer’s movements before he reached the shed or about this property that could help clarify what happened?