Topline: The murder trial of Devyn Michaels in Henderson, Nevada, began with prosecutors detailing the shocking circumstances, including the victim’s decapitation and the defendant’s marriage to the victim’s son.
Published: November 9, 2025 10:39 am ET
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Left: Devyn Micheals, Right: Johnathan Willette (via Henderson Police Department/Facebook)
HENDERSON, NV — A former adult film actress allegedly beat and decapitated the father of her children in August 2023 to pursue a “future” with his son, who is also her husband.
The murder trial for Devyn Michaels, 47, began with lurid details surrounding the alleged killing and decapitation of her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Johnathan Willette, 46.
According to Courthouse News, the homicide occurred at Willette’s Henderson home. Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani told jurors they were “in for a wild ride” as he presented the prosecution’s case.
Michaels, who worked in the adult film industry under the names Nikki Fairchild and Tracee Taverz, is facing a charge of first-degree murder.
The prosecution told the jury that Michaels and Willette were the parents of two children and were reportedly planning to reunite and live together. However, Giordani presented evidence showing Michaels was married to Willette’s 29-year-old son from another relationship, Deviere Willette, at the time of the killing.
Giordani shared photos of the victim’s body with the jury. “All I can say is, ‘Buckle up, because you’re in for a wild ride,’” he said, according to KLAS-TV.
Police found Willette’s body wrapped in a sheet on his bed. The victim was decapitated. Investigators have not recovered the murder weapons or the victim’s head, as reported by KLAS-TV.
Giordani detailed the gruesome nature of the alleged murder during his opening statement. He said Michaels allegedly beat Willette with a stick, decapitated him, and poured chemicals over his body, according to police.
While referencing photographs of Michaels, Deviere Willette, and her children, Giordani argued that the defendant’s motive was to eliminate the victim. “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,” Giordani told the jury.
Prosecutors allege Michaels took Willette’s head from the crime scene and drove it to her home in Las Vegas, dumping it in the trash. They believe the head was then picked up by a trash disposal service.
Michaels initially entered a guilty plea to a second-degree murder charge last autumn. She had agreed to a plea deal that included a sentence of 15 years in prison with the possibility of parole.
Her sentencing was scheduled for July, but she revoked her plea and claimed she could prove her innocence. District Court Judge Tierra Jones allowed Michaels to exit the deal and take the case to trial. Judge Jones warned Michaels that she risked being convicted of first-degree murder, which carries a far greater penalty.
The defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, offered a different account during his opening statement. Draskovich shifted the focus toward the victim’s son, Deviere Willette, suggesting he was the possible suspect.
The defense attorney told the jury that Deviere “hated” his father. Draskovich also suggested that Deviere was being kicked out of his home, implying a motive for the son.
According to testimony on Wednesday, police have not named Deviere as a suspect. They interviewed him several times following the homicide.
“Look at the motivations, and find her not guilty,” Draskovich told the jury.
The defense attorney also described the marriage between Michaels and Deviere Willette as sexless, plagued by distrust and jealousy. Draskovich revealed that Michaels text messaged Deviere, calling him a “liar” and a “cheater,” and asked for a divorce just days before Johnathan Willette’s murder.
“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 taking his wife,” Draskovich claimed.
Giordani stated that no cellphone or video evidence places Deviere at the crime scene. However, Draskovich highlighted to the jury that Deviere worked as a home security installer. The defense attorney suggested Deviere likely possessed the skills necessary to avoid detection by surveillance cameras.
Deviere Willette testified on Thursday, November 6. He denied being involved in the killing of his father. He told the jury he had not spoken to Michaels since her arrest.
He also testified that, just before the murder, he had recently told his father about his marriage to Michaels, as reported by KLAS-TV News.
Giordani questioned Deviere Willette directly about his involvement in the homicide.
“Did you have any involvement in killing your father?” Giordani replied.
“No, sir,” Deviere answered.
The trial is ongoing, with further witness testimonies expected in the coming days. The prosecution and defense are set to continue presenting their conflicting narratives to the jury.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Ex-Porn Performer on Trial for Decapitating Partner Over Son
The murder trial of Devyn Michaels in Henderson, Nevada, began with prosecutors detailing the shocking circumstances, including the victim’s decapitation and the defendant’s marriage to the victim’s son.
By Kate Byrd
Published: November 9, 2025 10:39 am ET
Left: Devyn Micheals, Right: Johnathan Willette (via Henderson Police Department/Facebook)
HENDERSON, NV — A former adult film actress allegedly beat and decapitated the father of her children in August 2023 to pursue a “future” with his son, who is also her husband.
The murder trial for Devyn Michaels, 47, began with lurid details surrounding the alleged killing and decapitation of her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Johnathan Willette, 46.
According to Courthouse News, the homicide occurred at Willette’s Henderson home. Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani told jurors they were “in for a wild ride” as he presented the prosecution’s case.
Michaels, who worked in the adult film industry under the names Nikki Fairchild and Tracee Taverz, is facing a charge of first-degree murder.
The prosecution told the jury that Michaels and Willette were the parents of two children and were reportedly planning to reunite and live together. However, Giordani presented evidence showing Michaels was married to Willette’s 29-year-old son from another relationship, Deviere Willette, at the time of the killing.
Giordani shared photos of the victim’s body with the jury. “All I can say is, ‘Buckle up, because you’re in for a wild ride,’” he said, according to KLAS-TV.
Police found Willette’s body wrapped in a sheet on his bed. The victim was decapitated. Investigators have not recovered the murder weapons or the victim’s head, as reported by KLAS-TV.
Giordani detailed the gruesome nature of the alleged murder during his opening statement. He said Michaels allegedly beat Willette with a stick, decapitated him, and poured chemicals over his body, according to police.
While referencing photographs of Michaels, Deviere Willette, and her children, Giordani argued that the defendant’s motive was to eliminate the victim. “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,” Giordani told the jury.
Prosecutors allege Michaels took Willette’s head from the crime scene and drove it to her home in Las Vegas, dumping it in the trash. They believe the head was then picked up by a trash disposal service.
Michaels initially entered a guilty plea to a second-degree murder charge last autumn. She had agreed to a plea deal that included a sentence of 15 years in prison with the possibility of parole.
Her sentencing was scheduled for July, but she revoked her plea and claimed she could prove her innocence. District Court Judge Tierra Jones allowed Michaels to exit the deal and take the case to trial. Judge Jones warned Michaels that she risked being convicted of first-degree murder, which carries a far greater penalty.
The defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, offered a different account during his opening statement. Draskovich shifted the focus toward the victim’s son, Deviere Willette, suggesting he was the possible suspect.
The defense attorney told the jury that Deviere “hated” his father. Draskovich also suggested that Deviere was being kicked out of his home, implying a motive for the son.
According to testimony on Wednesday, police have not named Deviere as a suspect. They interviewed him several times following the homicide.
“Look at the motivations, and find her not guilty,” Draskovich told the jury.
The defense attorney also described the marriage between Michaels and Deviere Willette as sexless, plagued by distrust and jealousy. Draskovich revealed that Michaels text messaged Deviere, calling him a “liar” and a “cheater,” and asked for a divorce just days before Johnathan Willette’s murder.
“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 taking his wife,” Draskovich claimed.
Giordani stated that no cellphone or video evidence places Deviere at the crime scene. However, Draskovich highlighted to the jury that Deviere worked as a home security installer. The defense attorney suggested Deviere likely possessed the skills necessary to avoid detection by surveillance cameras.
Deviere Willette testified on Thursday, November 6. He denied being involved in the killing of his father. He told the jury he had not spoken to Michaels since her arrest.
He also testified that, just before the murder, he had recently told his father about his marriage to Michaels, as reported by KLAS-TV News.
Giordani questioned Deviere Willette directly about his involvement in the homicide.
“Did you have any involvement in killing your father?” Giordani replied.
“No, sir,” Deviere answered.
The trial is ongoing, with further witness testimonies expected in the coming days. The prosecution and defense are set to continue presenting their conflicting narratives to the jury.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Ex-Porn Performer on Trial for Decapitating Partner Over Son
The murder trial of Devyn Michaels in Henderson, Nevada, began with prosecutors detailing the shocking circumstances, including the victim’s decapitation and the defendant’s marriage to the victim’s son.
By Kate Byrd
Published: November 9, 2025 10:39 am ET
Left: Devyn Micheals, Right: Johnathan Willette (via Henderson Police Department/Facebook)
HENDERSON, NV — A former adult film actress allegedly beat and decapitated the father of her children in August 2023 to pursue a “future” with his son, who is also her husband.
The murder trial for Devyn Michaels, 47, began with lurid details surrounding the alleged killing and decapitation of her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Johnathan Willette, 46.
According to Courthouse News, the homicide occurred at Willette’s Henderson home. Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani told jurors they were “in for a wild ride” as he presented the prosecution’s case.
Michaels, who worked in the adult film industry under the names Nikki Fairchild and Tracee Taverz, is facing a charge of first-degree murder.
The prosecution told the jury that Michaels and Willette were the parents of two children and were reportedly planning to reunite and live together. However, Giordani presented evidence showing Michaels was married to Willette’s 29-year-old son from another relationship, Deviere Willette, at the time of the killing.
Giordani shared photos of the victim’s body with the jury. “All I can say is, ‘Buckle up, because you’re in for a wild ride,’” he said, according to KLAS-TV.
Police found Willette’s body wrapped in a sheet on his bed. The victim was decapitated. Investigators have not recovered the murder weapons or the victim’s head, as reported by KLAS-TV.
Giordani detailed the gruesome nature of the alleged murder during his opening statement. He said Michaels allegedly beat Willette with a stick, decapitated him, and poured chemicals over his body, according to police.
While referencing photographs of Michaels, Deviere Willette, and her children, Giordani argued that the defendant’s motive was to eliminate the victim. “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,” Giordani told the jury.
Prosecutors allege Michaels took Willette’s head from the crime scene and drove it to her home in Las Vegas, dumping it in the trash. They believe the head was then picked up by a trash disposal service.
Michaels initially entered a guilty plea to a second-degree murder charge last autumn. She had agreed to a plea deal that included a sentence of 15 years in prison with the possibility of parole.
Her sentencing was scheduled for July, but she revoked her plea and claimed she could prove her innocence. District Court Judge Tierra Jones allowed Michaels to exit the deal and take the case to trial. Judge Jones warned Michaels that she risked being convicted of first-degree murder, which carries a far greater penalty.
The defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, offered a different account during his opening statement. Draskovich shifted the focus toward the victim’s son, Deviere Willette, suggesting he was the possible suspect.
The defense attorney told the jury that Deviere “hated” his father. Draskovich also suggested that Deviere was being kicked out of his home, implying a motive for the son.
According to testimony on Wednesday, police have not named Deviere as a suspect. They interviewed him several times following the homicide.
“Look at the motivations, and find her not guilty,” Draskovich told the jury.
The defense attorney also described the marriage between Michaels and Deviere Willette as sexless, plagued by distrust and jealousy. Draskovich revealed that Michaels text messaged Deviere, calling him a “liar” and a “cheater,” and asked for a divorce just days before Johnathan Willette’s murder.
“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 taking his wife,” Draskovich claimed.
Giordani stated that no cellphone or video evidence places Deviere at the crime scene. However, Draskovich highlighted to the jury that Deviere worked as a home security installer. The defense attorney suggested Deviere likely possessed the skills necessary to avoid detection by surveillance cameras.
Deviere Willette testified on Thursday, November 6. He denied being involved in the killing of his father. He told the jury he had not spoken to Michaels since her arrest.
He also testified that, just before the murder, he had recently told his father about his marriage to Michaels, as reported by KLAS-TV News.
Giordani questioned Deviere Willette directly about his involvement in the homicide.
“Did you have any involvement in killing your father?” Giordani replied.
“No, sir,” Deviere answered.
The trial is ongoing, with further witness testimonies expected in the coming days. The prosecution and defense are set to continue presenting their conflicting narratives to the jury.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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