The Woman from Las Vegas who beheaded Boyfriend rejects plea deal

A Las Vegas woman who previously pleaded guilty to beheading her boyfriend stunned the courtroom Thursday, July 17, by declaring her innocence and claiming she has proof.

Devyn Michaels, 47, admitted in September to second-degree murder with a deadly weapon in the 2023 killing of her on-again, off-again boyfriend, 46-year-old Johnathan Willette. The plea deal offered her the possibility of parole after 15 years in prison.

But during what was supposed to be her sentencing hearing, Michaels, also known as Tracee Tavarez, turned directly to District Court Judge Tierra Jones and delivered an emotional outburst.

“I know my family doesn’t believe I’m innocent, and I understand that,” she said through tears. “But I can actually prove my innocence. I actually can. And I’m not going to stop fighting to prove it.”

She then accused her legal team of steering her in the wrong direction.

“I don’t know how to fix any of this anymore,” Michaels continued. “I keep listening to what everyone says is the best thing to do—‘just follow this advice’—but it never turns out the way they promise.”

Her emotional claims triggered a swift reaction from Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani, who said he was “not comfortable” with her allegations and agreed to let her withdraw the plea deal.

Judge Jones warned Michaels that going to trial meant risking a conviction for first-degree murder. Despite the risks, Michaels insisted she wanted to proceed.

Michaels was arrested in August 2023 after Willette’s mother found his decapitated body in bed at his Henderson home. When police arrived, they discovered the body still “smoking” and reeking of chemicals like bleach and ammonia.

An investigation revealed a disturbing trail: officers recovered Willette’s wallet, social security card, keys, and a blood-covered phone at Michaels’ residence. They believe she transported Willette’s head to her Las Vegas home and disposed of it in a trash can. The head was never recovered.

Initially, Michaels denied any involvement, claiming she left Willette’s home the night he died. But under questioning, she later admitted to striking him with a wooden stick after, she claimed, he tried to force her into a sex act. She said her intent was only to hospitalize him.

When a detective asked if it was possible she killed him and simply didn’t remember, Michaels replied, “Very possible,” according to KSNV. She also alleged that Willette had been abusive and accused him of disturbing behavior involving his children, claims police included in their arrest report.

During further interrogation, Michaels reportedly failed a polygraph test, reacting significantly to questions about her involvement in Willette’s murder.

Prosecutor Giordani described the crime as “haunting.”

“The defendant not only murdered her ex but desecrated his body—decapitating him and applying chemicals to his corpse, causing it to burn,” he told the court. “She admitted to the fatal blow, and though she never confessed to the beheading, the evidence overwhelmingly points to her.”

Willette’s family was outraged by the delay. His father, JC Willette, called the hearing “disgraceful.””We were here for a sentencing, and she continues to use the system to delay,” he said.

His wife, Valerie Willette, added, “She has no remorse. She needs to pay.”

Judge Jones made it clear the court will not tolerate further delays.

“This case will not remain stagnant,” she said. “It has already been extensively delayed. There must be justice for everyone involved.”

It remains unclear when Michaels will return to court, but the judge emphasized that proceedings will move forward without further postponement.