Woman wants to withdraw guilty plea in death of Henderson man found decapitated

A woman who previously pleaded guilty to a second-degree murder charge in the death of her on-again, off-again boyfriend — who was found decapitated — had second thoughts and announced in court on Thursday that she had decided to try to withdraw her plea.

Police have accused Devyn Michaels, now 46, of killing Johnathan Willette, 46, in August 2023 after she said he tried to force her to perform a sex act on him.

Willette’s body was found by his mother in the home they shared in the 2000 block of Pala Dura Drive in Henderson, according to the Henderson Police Department.

Michaels signed the plea deal on Sept. 17, agreeing to plead guilty to a charge of second-degree murder with use of a deadly weapon. The terms specified that she’d be sentenced to serve between 15 years to life in prison and that she was “forever giving up” the right to a speedy and public trial.

Her sentencing was supposed to happen on Thursday.

Instead, District Judge Tierra Jones said she would appoint an independent attorney to look into why Michaels wants to withdraw her plea and if there’s a legal basis to do so. The judge scheduled another hearing for December.

Michaels is currently represented by the Clark County special public defender’s office.

Relatives of Willette and supporters of his family attended Thursday’s hearing.

Rocio Oehler said Willette had been engaged to her daughter.

“He was a wonderful man who liked to help people,” she said.

Michaels told police that Willette had been abusive, but Oehler said he never mistreated her daughter.

Willette’s stepmother, Valerie Willette, said, “We want to get justice for our loved one. And that evil woman needs to get what she deserves,” which in her opinion is “death with no pity.”

Contact Noble Brigham at nbrigham@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BrighamNoble on X.