Ashland, Illinois – Steven Watkins was tragically shot in the back of the head while trying to see his baby daughter. The incident occurred during a court-ordered visitation pick-up at the home of his estranged wife Jennifer Watkins and her family. The shooting sparked a complex and mysterious investigation into the circumstances surrounding Steven’s death.
Upon arrival at the Skinner family home, where the incident took place, Watkins was met with a fatal shot. The claims of self-defense made by Jennifer Watkins and her family were met with skepticism by the police. The tight-knit Skinner family closed ranks, refusing to cooperate with authorities, leaving investigators to navigate a web of conflicting accounts.
The investigation revealed a tumultuous relationship between Steven and Jennifer, fraught with custody battles and accusations. Steven’s relentless pursuit of time with his daughter led to a tragic end on the eve of a court hearing in late November 2008. The details provided by Jennifer and her family on the night of the shooting raised further suspicions, leading authorities to question the validity of the self-defense claim.
The case took a dramatic turn as investigators delved deeper into the dynamics of the Skinner family. Motives emerged, pointing to a desire to end the custody battle once and for all. Speculations arose regarding who pulled the trigger, with evidence pointing towards Shirley Skinner, Jennifer’s 75-year-old grandmother. Ultimately, Shirley was convicted of murder and sentenced to 55 years behind bars.
In the aftermath of Steven’s death, his daughter Sidney was placed in the care of her paternal aunt and uncle, who were granted permanent guardianship. Jennifer Watkins, though never charged in connection to the shooting, faced legal consequences for violating visitation orders. The case of Steven Watkins remains a tragic tale of family turmoil and unfathomable loss, leaving a community grappling with the repercussions of a fatal encounter.