Spencer 'deeply regrets' Venus role

CENTREVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - He helped Doug Stewart plan the death of Stewart's wife, Venus.

Ricky Spencer told a Centreville courtroom on Friday morning that he "deeply regrets" what he did, and sometimes wishes he "wouldn't wake up."

"This is a nightmare I can't wake up from," Spencer continued while choking back tears. "I would give my whole life to bring (Venus) back so she can be here for her kids and her family."

Spencer pleaded no contest to conspiracy to commit manslaughter and was then sentenced to no more than a year in the St. Joseph County Jail. Judge Paul Stutesman said he would not interfere with the plea agreement. Spencer could have received 15 years behind bars.

Spencer told police that Stewart talked him into acting as his alibi -- dressing up like Doug and driving his car around in Virginia, during the time Stewart came to Michigan to kill Venus.

Spencer's attorney called Stewart a sociopath in court on Friday.

Stewart was convicted in March and sentenced in April to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Venus was staying with her parents in Colon Township and vanished in the early morning hours of April 26, 2010. She has not been seen since.

Venus' mom said sometimes she can't believe her daughter is gone. "How many times could he have saved my baby's life?"

St. Joseph Prosecutor John McDonough told the courtroom on Friday that it was sad to see Centreville on national television for this horrible crime. "Without Ricky Spencer, I think Doug Stewart would be free today."

Spencer's testimony was a huge part of the prosecution's case. That is why prosecutors recommended he serve no more than a year in jail.

Earlier this month, Stewart sent a letter to McDonough urging a longer sentence for Spencer.

Venus' family believes Spencer should have spent a lot more time in jail because he cooperated and did nothing to blow the whistle on the plan.

A family member yelled at Spencer as he left the courtroom on Friday, asking if he would come and help them search for Venus' body.