Laurie Shaver, a Florida mother, was convicted of second-degree murder for the 2015 killing of her husband, Michael Shaver, whose body was discovered buried under a concrete slab in their backyard in 2018.

Shaver’s conviction comes after a week-long trial in the home state of Disney World, with jurors deliberating for five and a half hours before finding her guilty of murder, as the Daily Mail reports.

The incident occurred in November 2015 in Claremont, Florida, when Michael Shaver was fatally shot in the back of the head. However, his body remained hidden for years, only to be discovered under the couple’s backyard firepit during a wellness check three years later.

Claims Of Self-Defense and Conspiracy

Throughout the trial, Laurie Shaver maintained her innocence, claiming that the murder was not her doing. She alleged that her then-7-year-old daughter was the one who shot Michael while he was beating her. In a tearful testimony, her daughter, now 15, provided a detailed account of the incident.

"And I grabbed her, and I grabbed her gun. And I went back out, and I went to the door. The door was already open. And he had my mom on the ground still. Still laying on the ground. Still kicking her. And I shot him," the daughter recalled during her testimony.

Laurie Shaver also implicated her ex-boyfriend, Jeremy Townsend, in the crime. She claimed that Townsend shot Michael a second time and helped dispose of the body under the firepit. However, Townsend denied any involvement in the killing, stating during the trial that he had never even met Michael Shaver.

Evidence Contradicts Defense's Claims

Despite Laurie Shaver’s claims, the physical evidence contradicted her defense. According to forensic findings, Michael Shaver was only shot once, directly in the back of the head. This single gunshot wound undermined Laurie’s story that her ex-boyfriend had shot her husband a second time.

Further adding to the prosecution’s case was the discovery that Laurie Shaver had assumed her husband's identity after his death. She continued to send text messages and post on Facebook as Michael Shaver, creating the illusion that he was still alive. These actions, coupled with the suspicious circumstances of his disappearance, raised significant doubts about her version of events.

Michael Shaver's Body Found In 2018

The case took a crucial turn in 2018, when investigators conducted a wellness check at the Shaver home. Michael's family had been concerned about his whereabouts, leading authorities to search the property. It was then that his body was found buried beneath a concrete slab under a firepit in the backyard.

Following the discovery, Laurie Shaver was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The trial that followed in 2023 saw both sides present their cases, with the defense attempting to paint a picture of a woman trying to protect herself and her daughter from an abusive husband.

Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict

After hearing all the evidence, the jury found Laurie Shaver guilty of second-degree murder. Their decision came after five and a half hours of deliberation, capping off a tense and emotional trial. Prosecutor Nick Camuccio praised the efforts of law enforcement and forensic teams, who had worked tirelessly to bring the case to a close.

"I don't think there was a detective with the sheriff's office back in 2018 to 2020 that didn't touch this case. And all of the CSI people on this case, truly top-notch effort on all of them," Camuccio said following the verdict.

Family Of Michael Shaver Reacts to Verdict

Michael Shaver’s family expressed relief and satisfaction with the jury’s decision. His sister, Stacie Turner, shared her emotions after the verdict was read, saying, "Elation. Elation. We were very happy. This was a long time coming."

The family had waited years for justice to be served, and the outcome of the trial marked the end of a long and painful chapter in their lives. The discovery of Michael’s body in such tragic circumstances had devastated those who knew him, but they were finally able to find some closure with the guilty verdict.

Sentencing And Potential Appeal

Laurie Shaver now faces a minimum of 25 years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 25, and it remains unclear whether she will receive a longer sentence given the circumstances of the crime.

Meanwhile, her defense attorney has already announced plans to appeal the conviction. The defense continues to assert that Laurie was not solely responsible for the murder and is hoping to challenge the jury's decision in a higher court.

Conclusion

The case of Laurie Shaver has captivated many, as it involves claims of self-defense, a conspiracy involving multiple parties, and the tragic death of a father whose body remained hidden for years.

The trial’s outcome, resulting in a conviction of second-degree murder, has brought a sense of justice to Michael Shaver’s family, while Laurie Shaver now faces the prospect of spending at least 25 years behind bars. As the sentencing date approaches, the defense’s planned appeal will likely be the next chapter in this ongoing legal battle.