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A woman from Alabama has been sentenced to life imprisonment after authorities revealed she orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot against her child’s father amid a custody battle.
Jaclyn Skuce, 43, residing in Madison, was found guilty of capital murder. The conviction stems from her hiring an individual to eliminate the child’s father, preventing him from securing custody or additional visitation rights, as reported by the Morgan County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident came to light on July 24, 2020, when the Hartselle Police Department conducted a welfare check at a residence. Anthony Larry Sheppard had failed to attend a scheduled custody hearing, prompting concern.
Sheppard’s attorney had requested that officers check on his well-being, according to investigators.
Upon reaching the location, police found the storm door shattered and the main door left open, leading to the discovery of the grim crime.
Officers later found Sheppard dead with multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators determined that Skuce hired Logan Delp to kill Sheppard in order to prevent him from gaining custody or further visitation with his child.
Prosecutors said Skuce used social media to hire the hitman, who lived in Hartselle, according to the Hartselle Enquirer. She allegedly offered to pay $30,000.
“There are never any winners in a case like this,” Chief Assistant District Attorney Garrick Vickery said following the verdict.
“This jury was incredibly thorough and took their time to make sure they made the right decision, both for Mr. Sheppard and for the defendant.”
Vickery added, “We are glad that they convicted her for the choice she made to take Mr. Sheppard away from his family.”
Skuce was found guilty of three counts of capital murder: murder for hire, murder of a witness, and murder committed by shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Four other defendants have been charged with capital murder in connection with Sheppard’s death.
Delp was convicted of capital murder in October 2025, the DA’s office said. Another defendant has pleaded guilty, and two others are awaiting trial.
Skuce will be imprisoned without the possibility of parole in the Alabama Department of Corrections.