CLERMONT, Fla. — A Florida woman has been convicted of second-degree murder with a firearm after she shot her husband, a mechanic for Walt Disney World, and then hid his body beneath a concrete slab in their backyard. Laurie Shaver, 41, was found guilty following jury deliberations that lasted approximately five hours. The trial revealed a chilling account of deception as Shaver attempted to cover up the crime for years.
In November 2015, Michael Shaver, 36, was killed at the couple’s home just west of Orlando. Prosecutors stated that after shooting him, Laurie Shaver went to great lengths to maintain the illusion that he was still alive, including impersonating him on social media platforms and through text messages to his employer and acquaintances.
It was not until 2018 that law enforcement officers conducting a wellness check on Michael Shaver discovered his remains underneath a concrete slab in the family’s backyard. His death was then investigated, leading to his wife’s arrest and subsequent trial.
During the proceedings, Laurie Shaver presented a defense claiming that her then 7-year-old daughter was responsible for Michael’s death, alleging that she shot him in an attempt to stop him from being violent toward Laurie. The defense articulated a scenario where the violence and threats from Michael prompted the child to act out in defense of her mother.
Testimonies in court took a sensational turn with the daughter, now 16, supporting her mother’s claims. She described a tumultuous relationship between her parents, marred by frequent and escalating violence, portraying Laurie as the victim in their confrontations. However, her accounts faced scrutiny from the prosecution, particularly regarding inconsistencies in her recall of the dates and sequence of events.
Adding to the drama, Laurie implicated an ex-boyfriend, Jeremy Townsend, stating that he shot Michael a second time to ensure he was deceased and helped dispose of his body. Townsend, however, denied ever meeting Michael or having been involved in the crime, casting further doubt on Laurie’s version of events.
Laurie’s defense also brought up allegations of mistreatment by Michael, claiming that he had become violent because he discovered her involvement with another man. She testified about being physically restrained and assaulted, an assertion meant to frame her actions as self-defense.
Sentencing for Laurie Shaver is set for November 25, where she faces up to a life sentence. Her attorney has indicated plans to appeal the verdict, suggesting that this complex case might see further legal battles.
The case has gripped the local community, highlighting not only the tragic end of a Disney World mechanic but also the deeper issues of domestic violence and the extents to which individuals might go to conceal wrongdoing. The courtroom drama, with its conflicting testimonies and accusations of manipulation, underscores the complexities of family dynamics and the legal system’s challenge in uncovering the truth.