Former adult film star Devyn Michaels is on trial in Las Vegas, accused of killing Johnathan Willette, the father of her children, after a custody dispute. Court testimony stated that Willette was beheaded on August 7, 2023, and that Michaels took his cellphone to her home afterward. Police said phone and GPS data show Michaels at Willette’s home at the time of the murder and later moving between locations around 2 a.m., according to 8 News Now.
Michaels was married to Deviere Willette, the son of Johnathan Willette, making her husband also her stepson. She had recently lost full custody of her two children to Johnathan. Court testimony reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal said one of Michaels’ daughters found Willette’s bloodied cellphone in her driveway and brought it to detectives, saying, “(The girl) says, ‘Mommy, here’s daddy’s cellphone. This is why he didn’t answer." Henderson Detective Kari Skinner said Michaels gave the phone to police, saying, “This should help you.” Michaels’ defense lawyer suggested Deviere Willette could be involved in Johnathan’s death, but police cleared him and he had no direct connection to the crime scene.
The trial of Michaels continues following the death of Johnathan Willette. Police have not recovered the murder weapon or Willette’s head, which Michaels is accused of taking from the crime scene and discarding. Phone records show that after Willette’s death, Michaels made multiple calls to his device, confirmed by Skinner to belong to the victim. Skinner said the phone was not immediately retrieved to avoid contaminating evidence. Court proceedings paused for Veterans Day and will continue as scheduled.
