Las Vegas Faces Rising Crime Rates Amidst Community Concerns
Full Transcript
Jurors in Las Vegas have found Devyn Michaels guilty of first-degree murder in the decapitation of her on-and-off boyfriend, Johnathan Willette. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Willette's body was discovered in his mother's home in Henderson in August 2023.
The jury deliberated for about two hours before reaching a verdict. Michaels, who is 47 years old, was married to Willette's son, Deviere Willette, and the trial included discussions on their complicated relationships.
Prosecutors revealed that Michaels admitted to police she struck Willette in the head with an object while giving him a back massage. Although she acknowledged the act, she attempted to downplay her confession, stating that he continued to breathe after the assault.
The report indicates that a detective testified outside the jury's presence that Michaels confessed to disposing of Willette's head in the trash. Defense attorney Robert Draskovich argued that there was a power imbalance during Michaels' police interview and suggested that Deviere might have been involved in the crime.
However, Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani stated he was grateful the jury recognized the overwhelming evidence against Michaels. The prosecution maintained that Michaels exhibited manipulative behavior, citing her relationship with Deviere, who was only 19 years old at the time.
They argued that she was motivated by jealousy as Willette planned to move in with Michaels, displacing his son. During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence, including Willette's bloody phone found at Michaels' home, which further implicated her.
An expert testified that both a knife and a mechanical saw were used for the decapitation, contradicting the defense's claims that it was implausible for a woman to commit such a brutal act. Michaels, who previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in a plea deal, withdrew her plea, claiming she could prove her innocence.
Sentencing for Michaels is scheduled for January 8.