Jacksonville woman pleads guilty to killing girlfriend, leaving her remains out
Share this @internewscast.com

Shannon McCarthy, 46, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after changing her plea from not guilty to guilty on charges in her girlfriend’s murder.

A Jacksonville woman has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing her girlfriend and leaving her remains on their front porch for nearly a week in 2023. The sentencing was announced by State Attorney Melissa Nelson.

Shannon McCarthy, aged 46, was sentenced by Judge Meredith Charbula. She changed her plea to guilty on charges including second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and issuing written threats to kill or cause bodily harm, in connection with the murder of Heather Sheppard.

Sheppard’s disappearance was reported by her daughter to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on July 3, 2023. Sheppard had been missing since June 29, 2023.

On July 5, 2023, detectives found Sheppard’s remains in an “advanced state of decomposition” outside of her and McCarthy’s home on Colonial Avenue.

During a police investigation into Sheppard’s disappearance, McCarthy allowed detectives to search their home. As detailed in McCarthy’s arrest report, detectives witnessed McCarthy attempting to cover items on the front porch with a tarp. Upon removing the tarp, Sheppard’s remains were discovered.

Neighbors nearby the couple’s home reported smelling a “foul odor” before Sheppard’s body was located.

According to Sheppard’s family, her phone was off, her credit cards were unaccounted for, a stained pair of shoes were located in the couple’s home, and Sheppard’s truck was found with a bullet hole, as reported by First Coast News.

Sheppard’s autopsy confirmed she was shot multiple times, according to Nelson. 

“The Florida Department of Law Enforcement analyzed the projectiles and confirmed they matched McCarthy’s gun,” Nelson said in the release.

Prior to these events, McCarthy faced charges stemming from an alleged battery against Sheppard in January 2023. At that time, McCarthy was out on bond for the battery charges, but the bond was revoked following the discovery of Sheppard’s remains.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
ABC7 Chicago Job: Desk Assistant

Unveiling the Unique $32M Collaboration to Boost Wrigley Field’s Security Before the 2027 MLB All-Star Game in Chicago’s Wrigleyville

CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s the second most visited tourist attraction in Chicago.…
Photo of a man and woman with a child, smiling for the camera.

Heartfelt Tribute from Family of Dedicated Oasis Fan and Loving Father Who Tragically Fell to His Death

THE father of a man who tragically died at an Oasis concert…
Witkoff scrambles for peace deal with Russia as sanctions loom targeting India, China

Witkoff Seeks Diplomatic Solution with Russia Amid Looming Sanctions on India and China

White House representative Steve Witkoff is set for a mission to Russia…
Russia drops missile deployment moratorium amid tensions with Trump admin

Russia Lifts Missile Deployment Ban Amid Rising Tensions with Trump Administration

Ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has attributed Moscow’s decision to end a long-standing…
A statue of Albert Pike, a brigadier-general in the Confederate Army, stands in Northwest Washington, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press)

Confederate Statue Set for Return to DC After Toppling

(The Hill) – The statue commemorating Confederate officer Albert Pike is set…
Photo of a young couple posing outdoors.

Netflix’s Amy Bradley Documentary Mistakenly Accuses Wrong Man – Unveiling the Truth Behind Her 27-Year-Old Cruise Ship Disappearance

A NEW Netflix documentary about a woman who mysteriously vanished from a…
Explosive new report blames OceanGate and its CEO for 'preventable' Titan sub disaster

New Report Condemns OceanGate and CEO for ‘Avoidable’ Titan Submarine Tragedy

A revealing new investigation into the Titan submersible disaster, which resulted in…
Firefighters rescue woman trapped in small chimney at recreation building in San Fernando, California

Firefighters Save Woman Stuck Inside Chimney at San Fernando Recreation Center

SAN FERNANDO, Calif. — Firefighters rescued a woman trapped in a small…
The Titan submersible underwater.

Detailed Account of Failures in Titan Submarine Disaster Revealed in New Report, Pointing to CEO Stockton Rush’s Negligence

A DAMNING report into the doomed Titan sub has laid a bare…
Middleburg man remembers his friend who was killed by 14-year-old son

Middleburg Resident Reflects on the Tragic Loss of Friend at the Hands of Friend’s Teenage Son

Andrew Jeter, who served alongside David Lee in the U.S. military, wishes…
Selfie of a man wearing sunglasses, with snowy mountains in the background.

Tech CEO Tragically Dies in Skydiving Accident After Mid-Air Collision, Cousin Honors Him as a ‘Family Man’

A TECH CEO was killed when his friend’s knee smashed into his…
Devil’s Den witnesses describe suspect’s ‘death stare’ minutes before murders: report

Witnesses Recount Eerie ‘Death Stare’ by Suspect Moments Before Devil’s Den Killings: Report

A couple who visited Devil’s Den State Park on the same day…