Nevada Woman Admits to Decapitating Children's Father, Gets 15-Year Sentence

September 21, 2024

NEVADA: A shocking and disturbing crime has led to a plea deal for a Las Vegas woman accused of decapitating her children's father and disposing of his head in the trash. Devyn Michaels, 46, admitted to second-degree murder in the death of Johnathan James Willette, 46, and will be eligible for parole after 15 years.

Michaels and Willette had two daughters together, despite her marriage to Willette's adult son – a complicated relationship described as "not typical." Michaels alleged Willette abused her and forced a child to shower in front of him.

On August 7, 2023, Willette's mother discovered his body in a Henderson home, wrapped in blankets on a bed. Michaels claimed self-defense, stating Willette tried to coerce her into a sexual act. However, prosecutors believe she intentionally killed him.

Michaels' history reveals a previous child abuse charge in 2022, for which she received one year of probation. She assured the judge she had undergone counseling and therapy, stating experts deemed her not a risk to abuse.

The gruesome crime involved Michaels taking Willette's head from the crime scene to her Las Vegas home, where she disposed of it in the trash. Prosecutors believe the head was likely collected by a trash service and never recovered.

Michaels' plea deal brings some closure to the Willette family, but the community remains shocked by the brutality of the crime.