An individual known for adult films has been convicted of murdering her former spouse after marrying her stepson. Devyn Michaels, aged 47, could potentially face life imprisonment for the killing of Johnathan Willette, aged 46, whose decapitated body was found at his residence soaked in chemicals.
Willette’s mother discovered his body wrapped in blankets and stained with blood. Prosecutors alleged that the Las Vegas adult film star orchestrated the crime out of jealousy towards Willette, who had obtained full custody of their two children.
During Michaels’ trial, prosecutor John Giordani cautioned the jury to brace themselves for compelling evidence, including crime scene images, including the victim’s body. Michaels confessed to police that she struck Willette with an object resembling a candlestick while massaging him in his bedroom. She later confessed to cutting off his head and disposing of it after transporting it to her residence.
Michaels, who was in an intermittent relationship with Willette and shared two daughters, married Willette’s son, Deviere Willette, 29, following her divorce from Willette in 2018. Deviere denied any involvement in his father’s death despite efforts by Michaels’ defense to implicate him.
Although Michaels initially pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, she later claimed innocence during her sentencing hearing, prompting a trial for first-degree murder. Subsequently, jurors rendered a guilty verdict this week. The sentencing is scheduled for January 8, with Michaels facing the possibility of life imprisonment, with or without parole.
The prosecutors did not pursue the death penalty in this case.