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Mother of murder victim Stephanie Minter calls out lenient policies amid DOJ investigation
Cheryl Minter, the grieving mother of Stephanie Minter, who was tragically murdered, has voiced her outrage following the revelation that her daughter’s alleged killer is an illegal immigrant with a history of violent offenses. Minter has criticized Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano, accusing him of repeatedly showing leniency towards the suspect. Her frustration has been further fueled by the Department of Justice launching an investigation into Descano for allegedly giving preferential treatment to illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens. Minter stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of American children and citizens.
In a separate case, an Alabama woman received a life sentence on Friday after being found guilty of hiring a hitman in a custody dispute to kill the father of her child. The Morgan County District Attorney’s Office announced that Jaclyn Skuce, 43, from Madison, was convicted of capital murder. She was accused of plotting to eliminate the child’s father to prevent him from gaining custody or securing further visitation rights.
The tragic events unfolded on July 24, 2020, when the Hartselle Police Department responded to a welfare check at a residence. This was prompted by Anthony Larry Sheppard’s failure to attend a scheduled custody hearing, causing concern for his well-being. Upon the request of his attorney, officers were dispatched to ensure his safety.
Upon reaching Sheppard’s home, police were confronted with a disturbing scene: the storm door was shattered, and the main door was left open, raising immediate alarm.
Upon arrival, police discovered Sheppard’s storm door shattered and the main door ajar.
Jaclyn Skuce, 43, was sentenced to life in prison for hiring a hitman to kill her child’s father, prosecutors said. (Morgan County District Attorney’s Office)
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.
An Alabama woman was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted in a murder-for-hire case tied to a custody dispute. (Morgan County District Attorney’s Office)
“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.
Prosecutors said the defendant used social media to arrange a killing in exchange for payment. (Hartselle Police Department)
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.
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