Murder Victim’s Mother Criticizes Justice Department Policy

Cheryl Minter, the mother of the slain Stephanie Minter, is expressing her anger over her daughter’s murder, which was committed by an undocumented immigrant with a history of violent offenses. She claims that Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano consistently showed leniency toward the suspect. Minter emphasized the importance of safeguarding American children and citizens, especially in light of the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation into Descano for allegedly prioritizing illegal immigrants’ rights over those of citizens.

Alabama Woman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Hiring Hitman

An Alabama woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being accused of hiring a hitman to kill her child’s father amid a custody dispute. Jaclyn Skuse, 43, from Madison, was found guilty of capital murder for enlisting a man to take her child’s father’s life, which she believed would secure her custody rights.

The Hartselle Police Department conducted a welfare check on July 24, 2020, after Anthony Larry Shepard did not show up for a custody hearing. His lawyer requested the police intervention, leading to the discovery of Shepard dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The police found his home in disarray, with shattered shutters and an open front door.

Investigators later confirmed that Skuse had hired Logan Delp to carry out the murder to assert her parental rights. Reports indicate that she used social media to find the hitman, offering him $30,000 for the job.

After the verdict, Chief Assistant District Attorney Garrick Vickery commented, “There’s never a winner in a case like this.” He noted that the jury was meticulous in their deliberation to reach a fair outcome for both Shepard and Skuse. Vickery expressed relief that justice had been served, stating that Skuse’s choices took her away from her family.

Skuse faced three counts of heinous murder: murder for hire, the murder of a witness, and shooting into an occupied residence. Four other individuals are also facing capital murder charges related to Shepard’s death. Delp was convicted of capital murder in October 2025, while another defendant has pleaded guilty, and two others await trial.

Skuse will serve her sentence at the Alabama Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole.