Son testifies he had affair with stepmom, who is now on trial for killing dad in Henderson
Deviere Willette, whose father was found decapitated in his Henderson home in 2023, told jurors Thursday that he never had the courage to admit he was having an affair with his stepmother — the same woman now facing trial for killing his father.
Now 29, Deviere testified that he and Devyn Michaels, 47, were married and living together when Michaels was arrested on suspicion of killing his father, Johnathan Willette, 46. Deviere said he first met Michaels when she was dating his father and began a sexual relationship with her at age 19, which eventually led to marriage.
Johnathan Willette and Michaels had two daughters under the age of 13 and had an on-again, off-again relationship, according to attorneys. Johnathan had planned to move into the house where Deviere and Michaels were living. Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani said Johnathan had custody of the daughters, but he and Michaels were planning to reunite for the children’s sake.
“I was trying to fill the shoes of my father — shoes that I had no business filling,” Deviere Willette said. He added that both he and Michaels initially told police their marriage was one of convenience for insurance purposes. They remain married, though Deviere said he hopes to get a divorce after the trial.
‘Breakup’ Call From Jail
Giordani played audio recordings of calls Michaels made to Deviere while in custody at the Clark County Detention Center.
“They have no evidence, no murder weapon. They have absolutely nothing on me,” Michaels told Deviere during one call. Deviere responded, “There’s a lot of news articles about you and what happened … I don’t know what to believe. One article was very graphic and points that you did it. If you did, I can’t be here,” adding that he was leaving for California.
After the recording, Michaels sat with her head down, reaching for a tissue. When Giordani asked if the call was essentially a “breakup conversation,” Deviere replied, “Yes.” He denied any involvement in his father’s killing.
Defense Challenges Testimony
Michaels’ attorney, Robert Draskovich, cross-examined Deviere, arguing that he had “downplayed” the nature of his relationship with Michaels in earlier police interviews. Draskovich presented photos from their wedding showing a traditional ceremony, and Deviere confirmed both wore wedding rings.
“You’re getting more and more truthful concerning the nature of your relationship with Devyn, the further it gets away from you having been charged with (the) murder,” Draskovich said.
Earlier, Deviere described his relationship with his father as “fine” and said he loved him. When the defense suggested he had previously claimed he and his father never got along, Deviere replied, “No, sir. I had become a very big alcoholic, so it’s all a little fuzzy. I will answer truthfully to what I can.”
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