LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Devyn Michaels appeared in court Thursday in what was initially expected to be a sentencing hearing as part of a stipulated agreement in the killing of her ex-boyfriend, Johnathan Willette. However, the proceedings took a dramatic turn when Michaels chose to withdraw her plea, paving the way for a trial.
Judge Tierra D. Jones presided over the hearing in Clark County District Court. Deputy District Attorney John Giordani recounted the details of the case, describing the circumstances surrounding Willette’s death.
“The defendant not only murdered her ex, but then desecrated his body by decapitating him and putting chemicals on his body, causing it to burn,” Giordani said. “She never admitted to the decapitation portion, but the evidence was overwhelming — that it was obviously her who did it.”
Before sentencing could proceed, Michaels addressed the court, maintaining her innocence.
“I know right now no one in the family is going to believe me,” Michaels said. “But I can actually prove my innocence. I actually can, and I’m not going to stop fighting to prove my innocence.”
She further claimed that the person responsible for Willette’s death had not yet been held accountable.
“I’ve seen so much that — it’s just terrible. The way that they’ve manipulated and altered and twisted things is wrong,” she said. “They should not be able to do it.”
When reminded to direct her comments to the judge, Michaels became emotional. She apologized to Willette’s family while continuing to assert her innocence.
The defendant’s statements prompted Giordani to question the appropriateness of proceeding with the stipulated sentencing.
“Judge, I’m not comfortable with this record. I’m willing to let her out of her plea,” he said. “This wouldn’t be appropriate … let’s go to trial.”
Judge Jones then asked Michaels to confirm whether she wished to withdraw her plea and proceed to trial. Michaels affirmed.
The case will now move forward with a new court-appointed attorney, as Michaels’ current counsel, Clark Patrick, informed the court he could not accept reappointment.
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