Alabama Woman Gets Life for Hiring Hitman to Kill Child's Father in Custody Fight

An Alabama woman received a life sentence Friday after authorities said she hired a hitman to kill her child's father amid a custody dispute.

Jaclyn Skuce, 43, of Madison, was convicted of capital murder for hiring a man to kill the child's father and prevent him from gaining custody or further visitation, according to the Morgan County District Attorney's Office.

The Hartselle Police Department responded to a residence on July 24, 2020, for a welfare check after Anthony Larry Sheppard missed a scheduled custody hearing. His attorney had requested the check, investigators said.

Officers found Sheppard's storm door shattered and the main door ajar. They later discovered Sheppard dead inside from multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators determined that Skuce hired Logan Delp to carry out the killing. Prosecutors said she used social media to contact Delp, a Hartselle resident, and offered $30,000 for the job, according to the Hartselle Enquirer.

"There are never any winners in a case like this," Chief Assistant District Attorney Garrick Vickery said after the verdict. "This jury was incredibly thorough and took their time to make sure they made the right decision, both for Mr. Sheppard and for the defendant."

Vickery added, "We are glad that they convicted her for the choice she made to take Mr. Sheppard away from his family."

Skuce was found guilty on three counts of capital murder: murder for hire, murder of a witness, and murder by shooting into an occupied dwelling.

Four other defendants face capital murder charges in connection with Sheppard's death. Delp was convicted of capital murder in October 2025, the DA's office said. Another has pleaded guilty, while two await trial.

Skuce will serve her sentence without parole in the Alabama Department of Corrections.