The jury in the Stacey Gray murder trial heard from an ex-girlfriend of Grays on day three of testimony. Gray is on trial for the rape and murder of Renee Eldridge in July of 2015. The ex-lover testified Gray bound her wrists and ankles during one sexual encounter until she pleaded with him to stop which he did only after she fell off the bed.
According to court testimony Renee Eldridge was tied up at the wrists and ankles during a sexual assault six months prior to her death in December of 2014 and then again when she was murdered and dumped in a Valley, Al creek July 4, 2015. DNA links Gray to both assaults. Investigators also found the same kind of rope used to tie up Eldridge in the back of Stacey Gray’s Ford Expedition.
Jurors also heard from multiple law enforcement officers including retired Notasulga Police Chief Michael Knowles about how Gray was eventually taken into custody. Knowles told the jury he grew up with Gray and his brothers. When a bolo was put out under Operation Stacey Gray, Knowles recognized a suspect vehicle in Notasulga with Stacey Gray and his brother driving and a police pursuit ensued. The vehicle eventually stopped, and Gray jumped out and ran away from police. He was caught several hours later after citizens held him at gunpoint.
Valley Police SGT Chris Daniel testified several firearms were spotted in plain view in that vehicle Stacey Gray bolted from in Notasulga, but one gun was found in a dog food bag. Daniel said the serial number from that gun matched the same gun that was stolen from Renee Eldridge after her murder.
Prosecutors said they have three more witnesses to present before the state rests its case. Court is in recess until Monday November 24, 2025. Stacey Gray is charged with malice murder, felony murder, rape and kidnapping for the death of Renee Eldridge.
