A woman formerly known for her work in adult films has been accused of killing her partner’s father and lover, with whom she allegedly had an affair. Devyn Michaels, aged 46, was taken into custody following the discovery of Jonathan Willette, also 46, in his home in Las Vegas. Willette was found decapitated and exposed to chemical burns.
Reports indicate that Willette’s body was found in a state of desecration, with evidence of bleach and ammonia present at the scene. Michaels and Willette had a complex relationship, including two young daughters together. Complicating matters further, Michaels was reportedly in a secret marriage with Willette’s adult son, creating a unique family dynamic where she was both his partner and daughter-in-law.
Having previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement, Michaels recently surprised the court by asserting her innocence during a sentencing hearing in July. Consequently, prosecutors proceeded with a trial for first-degree murder, which commenced this week.
According to PEOPLE, the lead prosecutor alleged in court that Michaels carried out the killing to ensure she could raise her children with Willette’s son, Deviere Willette, aged 29. Although Michaels and Jonathan Willette were never officially married, she reportedly wed Deviere in 2021, citing the need for support in managing her medical issues.
At the time of Willette’s death, the couple was reportedly planning to reunite for the sake of their children, but prosecutors contend that this was not Michaels’ desired outcome. Prosecutors presented a family photo during the trial, illustrating Michaels, Deviere, and her children, as evidence of the future she envisioned and sought with Willette out of the picture.
During a polygraph test, Deviere reportedly exhibited a strong physiological response when questioned about Willette’s death. Michaels later admitted to authorities that she had struck Willette on the head with a wooden spoon on the night of his death, claiming she did not intend to kill him but wanted him out of the way so she could focus on her children.
Investigators suspect that Willette’s severed head was disposed of in the trash and eventually taken to a landfill. Michaels, maintaining her innocence, emotionally expressed her conviction in court, asserting her ongoing fight to prove her innocence.
The trial is ongoing.