Organizing a murder for hire can seem like a daunting task, but for Mark Sievers, it was all too easy. Teaming up with his childhood friend, Curtis Wayne Wright Jr., the family man orchestrated the killing of his wife, Dr. Teresa Sievers.
Little did Mark know, Curtis took matters into his own hands and recruited his friend, Jimmy Ray Rodgers, to carry out the heinous act. Rodgers was later found guilty of second-degree murder in October 2019 for the killing of Dr. Teresa Sievers and was sentenced to life in prison.
What happened to Jimmy Ray Rodgers?
Following his conviction in October 2019, Rodgers was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Dr. Teresa Sievers. He initially faced a first-degree murder charge and the death penalty, but ultimately received a life sentence.
Patrick Tottenham, Teresa Sievers’ brother, expressed relief, stating, “It’s justice, it’s behind us now.” He thanked investigators and prosecutors but acknowledged that the trial had been a nightmare.
As of 2022, Rodgers attempted to appeal his conviction, but it was upheld. In 2023, his attorney mentioned plans for a second appeal, while Rodgers himself maintained his innocence, stating, “The jury says I’m not a hitman. I was found innocent of a conspiracy.”
Despite his attempts to appeal, Rodgers remains incarcerated at the South Bay Correctional Facility in Palm Beach County, Florida.
What about Curtis Wayne Wright?
In 2016, Curtis Wayne Wright pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and provided additional information on Mark Sievers and Jimmy Ray Rodgers. Wright confessed to executing the murder on Mark’s behalf in exchange for payment.
Where is Mark Sievers now?
As a result, in 2020, Wright was sentenced to 25 years in prison with three years credit for time served. Expressing remorse, Wright acknowledged, “I wish there was a way to change what happened, but I can’t. That will be with me for the rest of my life and I’m truly sorry.”
Currently, Wright is serving his sentence at the Walton Correctional Institution in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
Why did Rodgers and Wright commit this crime?
The murder of Dr. Teresa Sievers was orchestrated by Mark Sievers, who engaged Curtis Wayne Wright Jr. to plan and carry out the killing. Sievers confided in Wright about marital issues and fears of losing custody of their children, as well as revealed a substantial life insurance policy.
Investigations revealed five life insurance policies on Teresa, totaling nearly $4.5 million. Wright later informed authorities that Sievers hired him to kill Teresa, unknowingly involving Rodgers in the scheme.
On June 28, 2015, Wright and Rodgers ambushed Teresa, bludgeoning her to death with a hammer. Her body was discovered the following day, while both perpetrators were apprehended in Missouri a month later.
How did Mark Sievers, Rodgers, and Wright know each other?
Mark Sievers had a longstanding connection with Curtis Wayne Wright Jr., dating back to their childhood. Their bond resurfaced at Wright’s wedding in 2015, where Sievers offered him a substantial sum to carry out the murder of Teresa Sievers.
Providing travel funds and access codes, Sievers unwittingly played a significant role in the orchestrated crime. Wright, aware of Rodgers’ willingness to partake in such activities, enlisted his help to carry out the murder.
