A woman formerly known for adult entertainment has been accused of killing her former lover, who later became her father-in-law, amid claims of an affair with her stepson. Devyn Michaels, aged 46, was taken into custody following the discovery of the decapitated body of Jonathan Willette, also 46, in his Las Vegas home, where he also appeared to have been subjected to chemical burns.
Authorities revealed that the victim’s body was found desecrated with bleach and ammonia. Despite the head not being recovered, it is known that Michaels and Willette shared two young daughters and had a complicated relationship that included being ‘secretly’ married to Willette’s adult son.
Having previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement carrying a 15-year prison term with parole eligibility, Michaels unexpectedly claimed innocence during her sentencing hearing in July. Subsequently, prosecutors initiated a first-degree murder trial this week.
During the trial’s opening statements, the lead prosecutor alleged that Michaels murdered Willette to secure a future with her son, Deviere Willette, aged 29. Although Michaels was not legally married to Jonathan Willette, she reportedly married Deviere in 2021 for assistance with her medical issues.
At the time of Willette’s death, plans were in place for the couple to reconcile for the sake of their children, but prosecutors assert that Michaels had different intentions. Prosecutors presented a family photo to jurors, illustrating Michaels’ desired future with her son and children, emphasizing that she saw Jonathan Willette as an obstacle to that vision.
Additionally, Deviere underwent a polygraph test, which reportedly showed significant physiological responses when questioned about Willette’s death. Michaels later admitted to striking Willette with a wooden spoon, claiming she did not intend to kill him but only sought to incapacitate him temporarily.
Investigators believe that Willette’s severed head was disposed of in the trash and ultimately taken to a landfill. Before her scheduled sentencing, Michaels emotionally declared her innocence in court, vowing to continue fighting for exoneration.
The trial is ongoing.