Adam Sapikowski

Case overview

Adam Sapikowski was a Chapel Hill teenager who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the April 2005 shotgun slaying of his mother and was sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. He already faced between 19 and 24½ years in prison for his father’s death. Investigators said the bodies of James Sapikowski, 52, and Alison Powell Sapikowski, 49, had been in their Chapel Hill home for weeks before police discovered them wrapped in blankets behind a barricaded door on May 13, 2005. Investigators said both had been shot several times at close range with a .410-gauge shotgun, and that James Sapikowski and Alison Powell Sapikowski were found behind barricaded access in their first-floor master suite and a bathroom, respectively.

Sapikowski claimed he killed his parents in self-defense. His attorneys said James Sapikowski had threatened his son with a bat and that physical and emotional abuse had provoked the shootings. Sapikowski also said that an argument over a girlfriend and grades led to the murders.

Timeline

• May 13, 2005 — Police discovered the bodies of James Sapikowski and Alison Powell Sapikowski wrapped in blankets behind a barricaded door in their Chapel Hill home.
• April 2005 (charged as April 28 or 29, 2005) — Police and reports said Sapikowski shot his parents at close range with a .410-gauge shotgun inside the family home.
• April 30, 2005 — Police said Sapikowski went to the Durham Academy prom the same weekend investigators believed his parents were killed.
• May 1, 2005 — A hotel registry showed Sapikowski first checked in at the Courtyard by Marriott in Durham.
• May 14, 2005 — Police entered the home and found both bodies wrapped in bloodied blankets; police said the deaths had been undiscovered for weeks.
• May 2005 — Sapikowski was arrested on first-degree murder charges.
• January 25, 2008 — Sapikowski agreed to plead guilty to felony obstruction of justice and to plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder.
• January 30, 2008 — Sapikowski was sentenced for his father’s death; the sentence was described as up to 24½ years.
• February 7, 2008 — Sapikowski was sentenced for his mother’s death; the sentence was described as up to 25 years.
• February 8, 2008 — A sentencing for Sapikowski’s mother’s death was referenced as scheduled.

Background

James Sapikowski owned an oil and gas exploration business and was well known as the coach of the club ice hockey team at the University of North Carolina. Alison Powell Sapikowski was 49.

In the period before the discovery of the bodies, police and others described the family’s home as an upscale Chapel Hill residence. Neighbors described James as aggressive and strong-willed and Alison as self-assured and smart. An executive recruiter, Anita Badrock, described finding employees for the Sapikowski oil and natural gas exploration company, J5 Inc., and said the family still ran the business.

Sapikowski attended Durham Academy and was described as a 16-year-old junior charged in the slayings. He drove a 2004 Chevy Tahoe and lived in his parents’ home.

Sapikowski’s family issues and his mental health were described during legal proceedings. Sapikowski told psychiatrists he had been hearing voices since middle school and said he heard them frequently before the slayings. He also told psychiatrists he thought often about hanging himself because his parents told him he was not working hard enough. A hospital psychiatrist said in 2006 that Sapikowski suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and had flashbacks of killing his parents.

Sapikowski was transferred to John Umstead Hospital in Butner for temporary custody, evaluation and treatment. An affidavit by his attending psychiatrist at Umstead was referenced as stating he was not a threat to himself after being treated, and that he had “a bright and appropriate affect.” The defense said he attended classes at the hospital school and was medicated, but did not name the drugs.

The offence

Police said Sapikowski shot his parents with a .410-gauge shotgun from a few feet away. Investigators said James Sapikowski and Alison Powell Sapikowski were shot several times at close range with a .410-gauge shotgun.

Police described specific shot locations in relation to autopsy reports. James Sapikowski had three shotgun wounds in his head and neck area from a .410 shotgun, and the report said all three had the potential to be rapidly fatal. Alison Powell Sapikowski was shot twice, once in the shoulder and once in the head, and the report said only one wound would have been rapidly fatal.

Bodies were discovered wrapped in blankets behind a barricaded door in the home. Investigators said the bodies were in their Chapel Hill home for weeks before police discovered them. Police said James Sapikowski’s body was found in the master bedroom in the master bedroom at 29 Whitley Drive. Police said Alison Sapikowski’s body was found in a bathroom. The bodies were described as being in a moderate state of decomposition when found.

Sapikowski later faced felony obstruction of justice as part of a plea deal and agreed to plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder.

Investigation

After receiving calls from a relative who had not heard from the couple in more than a week, police received calls and conducted a series of interviews and phone calls. Investigators found Sapikowski at the Courtyard by Marriott at 1815 Front St. in Durham.

Police said Sapikowski reported that his parents left about a week ago and went to El Paso, Texas, and had not been seen or heard from since. Investigators used court papers and search warrant materials to describe the scene and seizure of evidence.

When officers and the two Sapikowskis arrived at the Whitley Drive house, police said Sapikowski claimed he did not have a key to the house. An officer used a credit card to enter through a garage side door. Police described the scene: chairs barricaded a door and a towel was stuffed underneath it.

Investigator Rodney Matthews took digital photos of the scene and then moved the chairs and towel to open the unlocked door. The search warrant application included the investigator’s statements about odor and bodies at the location:

“The house did smell like decomposed bodies,”
“Right in front of the door way was a body wrapped in blankets. The body was almost completely covered with the exception of a foot that was sticking out of the blankets. There was blood underneath the body and a shotgun shell was on the floor nearby.”
“He walked further into the room and saw blood droplets on the floor leading to the master bathroom.”
“There, beside the bathtub, was a second body wrapped in blankets, with blood on the floor underneath the body,”
“A decomposed hand was sticking out of the blankets, and a second shotgun shell was found on the floor near the body.”

Investigators seized a .410-gauge Harrington and Richardson shotgun from the house, a box of shells and four .410 casings. Investigators described casings as including one from the kitchen, one from the breakfast nook, one from beside the father, and one non-fired from beside the mother.

Investigators also collected blood-stained blue jeans, computer equipment, a credit card, and an aluminum bat from an upstairs room. Police said it did not appear the bat was used in the assault on the parents. Police said they continued to look into issues including whether the bat was used, and whether there was a chase through the house or a threat.

Investigators also said the shotgun used in the slayings was found packed in a car in the garage, along with camping gear and other items that made it look like Sapikowski intended to flee the area. Orange County District Attorney Jim Woodall said a report card spattered with James Sapikowski’s blood was found in the house.

After the discovery, Woodall said Sapikowski told anyone who asked about the strong odor in the house in subsequent days that some food had spoiled in the refrigerator.

Arrest and pretrial

Sapikowski was held without bond in the Orange County jail. Police said he was held after reportedly confessing to killing his parents. He was arrested on first-degree murder charges in May 2005.

A probable cause hearing was set for June 6, after Sapikowski made his first appearance in Orange County District Court. Chief District Court Judge Joe Buckner appointed James Williams, chief public defender for Orange and Chatham counties, to represent Sapikowski. Sapikowski wore an orange jumpsuit and bright orange flip-flops and was shackled with chains and made no statements to the court.

After writing a letter saying he was suicidal, Superior Court Judge Wade Barber signed an order transferring Sapikowski to John Umstead Hospital in Butner for temporary custody, evaluation, and treatment. Sapikowski’s attorney, Orange-Chatham Public Defender James Williams, said:

“He has some mental illness, and he is need of some treatment,”
“It’s not just coping. He has an illness. He is under treatment and medication for that illness, and he is in need of further care.”

Judge Barber’s order was described as reflecting that Sapikowski had mental illness and needed treatment. Police said Sapikowski had been held in custody, including time at Umstead Hospital.

Trial and guilty pleas

Sapikowski pleaded guilty to felony obstruction of justice and agreed to plead guilty to killing his parents. The plea was structured in parts so that he would have a felony conviction on his record when he was sentenced for each killing, allowing Judge Carl Fox to impose a stiffer prison term.

Sapikowski pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the April 2005 shotgun slaying of his mother. The sentencing for his mother was set to occur after his father sentencing. Authorities said his sentences were to be served one after the other.

On November dates referenced in legal discussions, Sapikowski’s sister Lauren described loving and devoted parents in faxed statements to the media:

“Our parents tried very hard to make our lives happy and full. They loved us unconditionally and were openly and constantly proud of us,”

In court last week, Sapikowski apologized for the slayings.

Defense counsel indicated that Sapikowski might claim insanity, diminished capacity, automatism and mental infirmity as defenses. Johnny Gaskins, Sapikowski’s lawyer, said:

“There will be evidence that Adam had previously been struck and threatened with a baseball bat,”
“And there was an attempt to do it that day.”

A hospital psychiatrist’s 2006 evaluation was referenced as stating Sapikowski suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and had flashbacks of killing his parents.

Sentencing

Father’s death

Orange County Superior Court Judge Carl Fox sentenced Adam Sapikowski after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the April 2005 death of James Sapikowski, 52. The sentence for the father was described as ranging from 19 years and nine months to 24 years and six months, and later described as as many as 24½ years in prison.

The sentence was described as “247 to 306 months” and was to be served at the end of the previous sentence.

Mother’s death

The later sentencing was referenced as scheduled for February 7, 2008, and described as sentencing Sapikowski to up to 25 years in prison for the death of his mother, Alison Powell Sapikowski, 49.

Obstruction of justice

Superior Court Judge Carl Fox gave Sapikowski a suspended sentence and a $10,000 fine on the felony obstruction of justice charge. The plea was structured in multiple parts for sentencing purposes.

Appeals

No appeals were described in the provided material.

Outcome

Sapikowski’s guilty plea and the sentences described resolved the case outcomes for the killings of his father and mother, as well as felony obstruction of justice.

Aftermath

Sapikowski’s sister, half-brother and aunt read statements during sentencing to express grief over the two slayings. Lauren Sapikowski said:

“Since I’ve been deprived of my parents by Adam’s actions, I define myself by one word: orphan,” Lauren Sapikowski said. “There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not reminded of my being alone.”

Chris Sapikowski choked back tears as he recalled his father playing basketball with him and teaching him life lessons along the way. Pamela Powell, Allison Sapikowski’s sister, said:

“How could such a senseless act destroy two wonderful, giving and supportive people?” said Pamela Powell, Allison Sapikowski's sister. “We will be forever tormented by the cruel and senseless way that you left this world. There is a deep sadness that is beyond repair. We've lost a part of ourselves, and the pain is incredibly huge.”

In court, Sapikowski rested his head on a table while listening to relatives. His attorney, Rosemary Godwin, rubbed his back to comfort him.

Sapikowski’s family issued a written statement Friday after the plea deal that said the plea deal brought some closure “to this horrific and painful chapter.” The statement included:

“The pleas speak for themselves and provide some solace and a sense of safety to family members in that Adam will remain behind bars for many years for his crimes,” the statement said. “The thought of a trial – and the reopening of wounds that are still healing – was not inviting to any family member. It is time for this to come to an end.”

Other details

Identity and ages mentioned

Adam Sapikowski was described as 16, and later as 17 and 18 in different reports. He was described at one point as “Adam James Spence Sapikowski.”

James Sapikowski was repeatedly described as 52, and Alison Powell Sapikowski as 49.

Statements about mental state and defences

Sapikowski told investigators with the Chapel Hill Police Department that he shot his father as the elder Sapikowski threatened him with a baseball bat, and that his father had assaulted him with the bat on previous occasions and subjected him to other forms of physical and mental abuse. The order filed by Judge Wade Barber included:

“Adam also told police that his father had assaulted him with the bat on previous occasions and had also previously subjected him to other forms of physical and mental abuse,”

In court and filings, it was referenced that Sapikowski considered defenses including insanity or diminished-capacity.

Evidence and described movements after the killings

Police and investigators said the shotgun used in the slayings was found packed in a car in the garage, along with camping gear and other items that made it look like Sapikowski intended to flee the area. Police also said Sapikowski attended his junior prom after the slayings and that neighbors said he hosted an after-prom party.

Police said Sapikowski then checked into a Durham motel, staying on and off for two weeks until out-of-state relatives asked police to check the Chapel Hill house and the bodies were discovered.

Trial scheduling and death penalty restriction

Because Sapikowski was 16 at the time of the shootings, state law prohibited prosecutors from seeking the death penalty. Investigators said his next court date was set for Sept. 21, though it may have been rescheduled if he was still at Umstead Hospital, and that the case hoped to come to trial next spring. A sentencing was referenced as scheduled for Feb. 8 in the death of Sapikowski’s mother.

Court roles and attorneys

James Williams was appointed to represent Sapikowski as chief public defender for Orange and Chatham counties during early court appearances. Johnny Gaskins was described as one of Sapikowski’s attorneys. Rosemary Godwin was identified as Sapikowski’s attorney during sentencing. Orange-Chatham District Attorney Jim Woodall described parts of the evidence at sentencing. Judge Carl Fox sentenced him. Judge Wade Barber issued orders for treatment transfer and responded to motions.

Locations and persons

Sapikowski’s parents were found in their east Chapel Hill home at 29 Whitley Drive in the upscale Oaks neighborhood. Police discovered them wrapped in blankets behind a barricaded door. Officers entered through a garage side door using a credit card.

Sapikowski was found at the Courtyard by Marriott at 1815 Front St. in Durham. The search and seizure activities were described in connection with investigations at the Whitley Drive home and the hotel registry.

Madeline Jefferson was a Whitley Drive resident who knew the couple from tennis games and other social encounters. Woochan Kim was identified as the hotel general manager. Investigator Rodney Matthews was identified as the investigator who wrote in the search warrant application. Police Chief Gregg Jarvies was identified as commenting on Sapikowski’s prom attendance and the timeline.

Seized items and their descriptions

Investigators seized from the house: a .410-gauge Harrington and Richardson shotgun, a box of shells, four .410 casings (including one from beside the father and one non-fired from beside the mother), blood-stained blue jeans, computer equipment, a credit card, and an aluminum bat from an upstairs room. Police said the bat was not clearly used in the assault and was among items seized while investigators continued to investigate.

The shotgun was later described as being found packed in a car in the garage along with camping gear and other items indicating an intended flight plan.