Laurie Shaver: Florida woman accused of killing and burying husband claims 7-year-old girl pulled trigger
LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA: Laurie Shaver, a Florida woman facing murder charges for allegedly killing her husband, has made a startling claim that a seven-year-old girl was responsible for the fatal shooting. According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Laurie is accused of burying her husband Michael Shaver's body and faces charges of second-degree murder, domestic violence, and being an accessory after the fact.
Laurie alleges that the young girl is willing to testify on her behalf. The victim, who was last seen in November 2015, was reported missing by a friend. On March 9, 2018, investigators discovered Michael's remains underneath a concrete slab and a fire pit allegedly placed there by Laurie to conceal the burial spot on their five-acre property, according to the Sheriff's Office. Currently, Laurie is out on a $50,000 bond and awaits trial in September. Recently, her attorney filed a fresh motion in court claiming that a 14-year-old girl, who was seven at the time, is the one responsible for shooting and killing Michael.
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'No credible evidence supporting the claims'
On May 8, defense attorney Jeffrey Wiggs filed a motion requesting the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court to reconsider its May 4 request to evaluate a minor child who, according to reports from WESH, "confessed to having committed the respective murder in this matter."
The motion stated that the minor child has been informed of the rights she would be waiving and the potential penalties she would face. It further mentioned that despite this, the child persists in seeking to testify, as conveyed by the attorney representing her.
In response to WESH, the Lake County prosecutor stated that there is "no credible evidence supporting the claims made concerning the involvement of the child" and that the child has not provided any statements to law enforcement agencies. However, Wiggs disputes this, alleging that the prosecutor is mistaken. He wrote, "Here, the State has sought to bury their heads on what is evidence that may genuinely seek out and ensure that justice is obtained."
'Would never cause any harm to the father of my children'
"I'm still in shock," said Wilma Nicholas, the Shavers' next-door neighbor, as she told People earlier. "There are moments where I just can't believe that the guy is really gone." Laurie, who has consistently claimed that she did not kill Michael, explained in a March 2020 YouTube video, where she sought donations for her impending defense, "I would never cause any harm to the father of my children. I know that there are people out there trying to paint this picture of me, but that's not me. I'm loving, caring, and have a servitude heart. I don't judge people; I accept all and always try to see the good in everybody."