WASHINGTON (TNND) — A Nevada woman — and a former adult film actress — was accused of beheading the father of her children after she married the man’s son, according to multiple reports.
The Henderson Police Department said Devyn Michaels, 45, was charged with murder in connection to the death of 47-year-old Johnathan Willette in August 2023.
At the time, authorities said officers found Willette’s decapitated body in his home.
Police said his “head was severed and was not located at the crime scene.” There was also a chemical smell, and fumes could be seen coming from his body.
Michaels later said she hit Willette’s head with a wooden stick, which caused him to go limp, according to an arrest report. A detective asked Michaels if it was possible that she killed Willette and didn’t remember, and she answered that it was “very possible,” the report noted.
Now, Michaels is on trial, with Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani alleging she had a disturbing motive.
FILE – Devyn Michaels stands during a court hearing on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Michaels withdrew her guilty plea, meaning she will head to trial for the murder of Johnathan Willette. (KSNV)
According to CBS 8, Giordani told the jury he believes Michaels killed Willette so she could start a new life with their children and her husband, who was Willette’s son, Deviere Willette.
This is the future that she saw and that she wanted, and the only way to have that future was with John out of the picture,” Giordani said in court this week, per the media outlet.
Michaels’ attorney, Robert Draskovich, offered an opposing theory. He said he thinks Deviere Willette killed his father, CBS 8 reported, which also noted that authorities never named him as a suspect.
Look at the motivations, and find her not guilty,” Draskovich told the jury, according to CBS 8.
In 2024, Michaels reached a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to a second-degree murder charge. But during the summer, she withdrew her guilty plea.
I know right now no one in the family is going to believe me,” Michaels previously said. “I know right now no one in the family feels that I am innocent at any point, and I understand that, but I can actually prove my innocence. I actually can. And I’m not going to stop fighting to prove my innocence.”
FILE – An emotional Devyn Michaels stands during a court hearing on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Michaels withdrew her guilty plea, meaning she will head to trial for the murder of Johnathan Willette. (KSNV)
______________
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
EDITOR’S NOTE: KSNV contributed to this report.