The courtroom drama surrounding an ex-porn actress accused of a gruesome crime took a pivotal turn on Wednesday. The trial against Devyn Michaels, also known by her screen names Nikki Fairchild and Tracee Tavarez, began as her defense sought to shift blame onto another suspect — her stepson, who she later married.

Michaels, 47, was taken into custody by Henderson police on August 15, 2023, following the murder of 46-year-old Johnathon Willette. Authorities have charged her with killing and decapitating Willette at his Henderson residence on August 7, 2023.

In a twist last fall, Michaels admitted to a second-degree murder charge. The plea agreement provided that she could become eligible for parole after serving 15 years behind bars. However, Michaels later attempted to withdraw her plea, claiming her innocence. Despite her efforts, Judge Tierra Jones of the Clark County District Court ruled that Michaels had entered her plea “voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently,” according to court documents. During her sentencing earlier this year, Michaels expressed remorse but immediately professed her innocence.