The trial of a Nevada adult film star charged with a horrific crime commenced this week. The actress stands accused of the brutal murder and decapitation of her children’s father.
Devyn Michaels, 47, faces allegations of savagely attacking Johnathan Willette, 46, with a stick and then decapitating him in August 2023. Authorities suspect she also attempted to dissolve his body using chemicals.
During a previous plea deal hearing this summer, Michaels maintained her innocence, reportedly stating, “I don’t know how to fix this,” as reported by 8 News Now.
However, CrimeOnline revealed in 2024 that Michaels had struck a plea agreement in which she confessed to second-degree murder, acknowledging her role in Willette’s death. Under the terms of the deal, she could be eligible for parole after 15 years.
Despite the shocking crime, Michaels and Willette share two daughters, highlighting the complex family dynamics, particularly since she was married to Willette’s adult son.
Given Michaels’ recent claim of innocence, Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani has decided to bring the case to trial, as reported by 8 News Now.
Fourteen jurors, with two being alternates, listened to opening statements Wednesday.
Giordani stated that Michaels murdered Jonathan Willette so she could be a family with their two children and Willette’s son, Deviere Willette.
Giordani referenced a photo of Michaels, Deviere Willette, and the children as he explained to the jury what Michaels wanted.
“This is the future that she saw and that she wanted, and the only way to have that future was with John out of the picture.”
Robert Draskovich, Michaels’ defense attorney, directed the jurors towards Deviere Willette as the actual murderer. Deviere Willette, while questioned, has never been named as a suspect.
Draskovich proposed that “what happened on August 7, 2023, was Deviere was getting kicked out; he was no longer going to be in this relationship because Dad, the dad he hated, was coming in and not only taking his home but also taking his wife.”
Months before Johnathan Willette’s murder, he gained full custody of his and Michaels’ two children. Trying to provide stability in their lives, Johnathan Willette attempted to move in with Michaels when he died.
The prosecutor asserted that Michaels was against the move.
The defense said Michaels wanted a divorce from Deviere Willette, claiming he was a “liar” and a “cheater.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Johnathan Willette’s mother found his body inside a home in Henderson, a southeast suburb of Las Vegas, reportedly wrapped in blankets on a bed.
According to documents, Michaels allegedly took Johnathan Willette’s head from the crime scene in Henderson and brought it to her Las Vegas home, where she disposed of it in the trash.
Prosecutors believe the head was likely picked up by a trash service; it was never recovered.
FOX 5 Las Vegas reports that she also told police that she never intended to kill Johnathan Willette but wanted to hurt him enough to hospitalize him “so she could figure out what she could do with her children.”
Check back for updates on the trial and verdict.
[Feature Photo: Devyn MichaelsHenderson Police Department]
