Detective Skyler Rocz was six weeks into her role when she received a case that would quickly become “once-in-a-lifetime,” she said. The case began with a January phone call from a deputy regarding Sarah Hartsfield, a former U.S. Army sergeant whose fifth husband had been admitted to a Texas hospital in a diabetic coma that medical staff found suspicious.
A Web of Allegations
The investigation rapidly expanded as Rocz uncovered a series of allegations surrounding Hartsfield’s past. These included accusations of a murder plot involving her third and fourth husbands – claims Hartsfield denies – and the fatal shooting of a former fiancé, which Hartsfield has described as self-defense. Despite not being charged in connection with these earlier incidents, Rocz’s work ultimately led to a murder conviction for Hartsfield in the January 2023 death of her husband, Joseph Hartsfield, 46.
Rocz’s initial investigation faced skepticism from her superiors at the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, who reportedly told her she was “beating a dead horse.” Despite this, Rocz persisted, presenting her findings to the district attorney, who subsequently obtained a murder indictment against Hartsfield weeks after Joseph Hartsfield’s death on January 15th.
The Turning Point: Cellphone Evidence
The case took a critical turn when Rocz examined Joseph Hartsfield’s cellphone. She discovered messages sent to Sarah Hartsfield’s phone the morning of his hospitalization, containing his driver’s license, a wedding photo, bank account details, and access to his Apple Legacy Contact. A search warrant for Sarah Hartsfield’s phone revealed discrepancies between her statements to authorities and the phone’s data.
While Sarah Hartsfield claimed to have been asleep due to post-surgery medication, her phone records indicated frequent use throughout the morning. Her recent internet search history had been deleted, and text messages revealed ongoing arguments with her husband, indicating a desire for separation.
Sarah Hartsfield has maintained her innocence, stating she was “devastated” by her husband’s death and claiming he likely caused his own death due to poor diabetes management. However, in October, she was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the initial concern that prompted the investigation?
Hospital staff found Joseph Hartsfield’s diabetic coma suspicious, prompting the initial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his hospitalization.
Did Sarah Hartsfield face charges related to incidents prior to her husband’s death?
No, Sarah Hartsfield had not been charged with any crimes related to allegations involving her third and fourth husbands or the death of a former fiancé at the time of her indictment in Joseph Hartsfield’s death.
What role did Joseph Hartsfield’s cellphone play in the investigation?
Joseph Hartsfield’s cellphone contained messages sent to Sarah Hartsfield’s phone with sensitive information, and ultimately led investigators to obtain a search warrant for Sarah Hartsfield’s phone, revealing inconsistencies in her statements.
Given the complex history of allegations and the evidence presented at trial, what factors might influence appeals in this case?
