Life Sentence for Alabama Woman in Custody Dispute Murder Case

An Alabama woman, Jaclyn Skuse, 43, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday after she was found guilty of hiring a hitman to kill her child’s father amid a custody dispute.

The Morgan County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Skuse, from Madison, was convicted of capital murder for contracting a man to kill Anthony Larry Shepard, aiming to obstruct custody arrangements.

On July 24, 2020, police were called for a welfare check when Shepard missed a custody hearing. His lawyer had expressed concern and requested officers to look into his whereabouts.

Upon arriving at his home, police noticed shattered shutters and an open door. Unfortunately, they later discovered Shepard dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators found that Skuse had hired Logan Delp to carry out the murder to prevent further custody or visitation issues regarding her child.

Reports suggest she utilized social media to connect with Delp, who lived nearby in Hartselle, and allegedly offered him $30,000 for the job.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Garrick Vickery commented on the case, stating that there are no winners in such situations. He emphasized the jury’s thoroughness in reaching their decision, which he believed was fair to both Shepard and Skuse.

Vickery expressed satisfaction that Skuse was held accountable for her actions, particularly the grave choice to disrupt her family.

Skuse faced three counts of capital murder: murder for hire, murder of a witness, and murder via shots fired into an occupied residence.

Additionally, four others are also charged with capital murder related to Shepard’s death. Delp was convicted in October 2025; another defendant has pleaded guilty, and two others are still awaiting trial.

Jaclyn Skuse will serve her life sentence in the Alabama Department of Corrections without the chance for parole.