Where is Shirley Skinner now? ‘Dateline: Secrets Uncovered’ delves into the shooting on Horseshoe Drive
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS: In 2010, Shirley Skinner was found guilty and is currently serving a 55-year prison term for first-degree murder.
Shirley, now in her late 80s, remains incarcerated at Logan Correctional Center in Broadwell Township. According to her inmate records, her projected parole date is set for 2064. However, her earliest possible release could be delayed until 2067.
Following her conviction, the Skinner family asserted multiple times that the police "mishandled" the investigation, claiming that a more thorough inquiry would have supported a case for self-defense, potentially resulting in a different outcome for Shirley Skinner.
According to the family, Shirley Skinner was offered a plea bargain with a sentence of less than 10 years. They argue that had the investigation been conducted properly, she would not have been sentenced to spend the rest of her life in prison. The family expressed surprise at the rapid verdict, which was delivered in less than 90 minutes.
When was Shirley Skinner first arrested?
Shirley Skinner was convicted of first-degree murder in May 2010 for the fatal shooting of her granddaughter's estranged husband, Steven Watkins, on November 25, 2008.
The incident occurred at Skinner's residence during what was supposed to be a child custody exchange between Steven Watkins and Jennifer Watkins. Shirley Skinner shot Steven Watkins in the back of the head, leading to his death.
In addition to facing first-degree murder charges, Shirley Skinner was also accused of solicitation of murder. Allegedly, she had informed two employees at her family's Beardstown pallet company that she was willing to pay $10,000 to have Steven Watkins killed.
What details of the 'Steven Watkins' case came out during the trial of Shirley Skinner?
In November 2008, Steven was fatally shot while attempting to pick up S.W. for a court-ordered visitation at the respondent's residence. Subsequently, Shirley Skinner, the respondent's grandmother, was convicted of his murder.
During the trail, it became evident from the transcripts that neither Shirley Skinner nor her family harbored much affection for Steven Paul Watkins, who was shot to death more than a year ago at Skinner’s home located 20 miles northwest of Springfield. The transcripts, which were placed into the court record by Adams County Circuit Judge Mark Schuering, reveal that Skinner and her relatives provided little assistance in solving the crime despite Skinner being charged with first-degree murder.
During testimony, a grand juror posed a straightforward question: Why did the Skinner family harbor such animosity towards Steven Watkins?
The prosecutor for Steven Walkins acknowledged that each juror might develop their own theories regarding the motivation behind this animosity, since there was no direct evidence to suggest their hate for him.
However, Penny Watkins offered her perspective on the matter. She suggested that the Skinner family's dislike for Steven stemmed from his inability to conform to their way of life. According to her, the Skinner family was accustomed to a lifestyle where they lived, ate, and spent all their time together, excluding the rest of the world.
Steven, on the other hand, had connections with Alex and other relatives outside of the Skinner family circle, which may have contributed to tensions. Penny believes this dynamic played a role in the family's hostility towards Steven.
Shirley Skinner's son Ed Skinner says "My mom didn’t do it"
Ed Skinner, speaking with a breaking voice, vehemently asserts his mother's innocence shortly after Shirley Skinner's guilty verdict for the 2008 shooting death of Steven Watkins.
He declares, "My mom didn’t do it," suggesting that she is taking the blame for a crime she did not commit. Ed Skinner, who previously invoked the Fifth Amendment during grand jury proceedings, is the first member of the Skinner family to publicly address the case.
He goes on to express his belief that Jennifer Watkins, Shirley Skinner's granddaughter, is the true culprit behind the shooting. Ed Skinner's statement implicates Jennifer Watkins as the actual perpetrator, indicating a significant shift in the family's perspective on the case.
Ed Skinner emphasized Shirley Skinner's deep affection for her granddaughter, Jennifer Watkins, stating, "She's crazy about her granddaughter." This sentiment underscores the strong bond between Shirley Skinner and Jennifer Watkins.
Furthermore, Ed Skinner suggested that if Jennifer Watkins were convicted of the killing, she would likely lose custody of Sidney Watkins. This detail sheds light on the complex familial dynamics and motivations surrounding the tragic events of the case.
Shirley Skinner pleads for clemency at 78 years old in 2014
In 2014, Shirley Skinner petitioned the Illinois Prisoner Review Board for executive clemency, citing her deteriorating health condition. In her petition, Skinner did not admit to the crime for which she was convicted.
Instead, she requested a reduction in her sentence and pleaded to be granted parole, allowing her to spend her remaining time at home. Shirley Skinner wished that the convicted killer would be granted the opportunity to spend her remaining days with her family, recognizing her twilight years as a time for compassion and reconciliation.
Skinner's daughter, Debbie Webster, shared concerning updates about her mother's health while in prison, noting that Shirley Skinner has endured three strokes, experienced a fall resulting in a concussion, and has been diagnosed with a heart condition.
Debbie Webster also expressed sincere remorse for the loss of Steven and acknowledged the tragedy of his death. She emphasized that the family is "deeply sorry" for the pain caused by the incident and emphasized that they ask for forgiveness daily, with Shirley Skinner also seeking forgiveness for her actions.
In the end, Shirley Skinner's clemency petition was denied.
Steven Watkins’ mother Penny Watkins says Shirley Skinner has never shown any "remorse"
Penny Watkins expressed skepticism regarding Shirley Skinner's health claims, suggesting they were exaggerated to elicit sympathy.
She noted that despite Shirley Skinner's purported health issues, she has never displayed any remorse or offered an apology to the Watkins family. Penny Watkins highlighted that during the hearing, it was the first time she heard any member of the Skinner family express remorse.
Penny Watkins emphasized that she is aware of Shirley Skinner's age and health condition but pointed out that these factors were present five years ago when Shirley Skinner committed the murder. She lamented that Shirley Skinner showed no mercy towards her son or their family and asserted that Shirley Skinner should receive the same sentence as Steven Watkins: life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
‘Dateline: Secrets Uncovered’ Season 12 airs new episodes every Wednesday at 8 pm ET on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day.