stalking
What happened in the case of Alicia Jackson Skaggs and who was responsible for her death?
Alicia Jackson Skaggs, a 20-year-old woman with an active stalking complaint against her ex-boyfriend DeAndre McLilly, was fatally shot on March 29, 2022. McLilly and his mother, Wendy Weatherford, followed Alicia and her boyfriend to a Golden Corral restaurant in Flint Township, Michigan, where McLilly fired multiple shots at their car, hitting Alicia in the head. The mother and son had chased the victims through several streets before cornering them in the restaurant parking lot. Despite Alicia's boyfriend's attempts to escape and his firing shots in self-defense, Alicia was critically wounded. She was rushed to the hospital but died from her injuries two days later. McLilly and Weatherford were found guilty and now face life imprisonment for their roles in this deadly stalking and domestic violence case.
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Law&Crime Network
00:20 - 03:06
What charges were McLilly found guilty of in the mother-son murder case?
McLilly was found guilty of 26 counts related to the murder of Alicia Jackson Skaggs. These charges included second-degree murder, multiple weapons offenses, stalking, and domestic violence. Together with his mother, Wendy Weatherford, they now face potential life sentences in prison for their crimes committed at a Michigan Golden Corral. The case highlights a disturbing pattern of stalking and domestic abuse that ultimately escalated to murder. McLilly's extensive list of convictions reflects the severity of his actions and the comprehensive nature of the prosecution's case against this mother-son duo.
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Law&Crime Network
03:06 - 03:18
What crime is the mother-son duo facing charges for, and what potential sentence could they receive?
A mother and son duo, identified as Wendy Weatherford and DeAndre McLilly, are facing possible life sentences for the murder of Alicia Jackson Skaggs at a Golden Corral restaurant in Flint Township, Michigan. Their crime stemmed from a history of stalking and domestic violence, with McLilly having previously stalked the victim before the fatal incident. The case has highlighted the deadly consequences of stalking and raised discussions about the need for better protection for domestic violence victims. Law enforcement officials, including expert Will Spilar, are examining the implications of this case for criminal justice and domestic violence prevention.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)Law&Crime Network
00:00 - 00:11
Why do victims of domestic violence often return to dangerous situations?
Domestic violence victims often return to dangerous situations because they face extremely limited options for escape. Law enforcement expert Will Spilar explains that it's difficult to advise victims to leave their homes, families, and support networks for shelters. This practical reality leads most victims to return to their abusers "almost all the time." The cycle becomes increasingly dangerous as violence escalates, ultimately leading to tragic consequences as seen in the Michigan murder case. For many victims caught in repeating patterns of domestic violence, there simply "doesn't seem to be anything for the victims to do to get away," highlighting the systemic failures in protecting vulnerable individuals.
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Law&Crime Network
05:35 - 06:11