Ashland, Illinois – Steven Watkins had always dreamed of being a family man, growing up in the small town of Chandlerville. His aspirations led him to join the Coast Guard and become a devoted single parent to his daughter, Alexendrea. However, his life took a tragic turn when a contentious custody battle with his estranged wife, Jennifer Watkins, culminated in his untimely death.
The day of the shooting, Steven went to Jennifer’s family home to pick up his daughter for court-ordered visitation, but he never made it out alive. Conflicting accounts from Jennifer and her family painted a chaotic scene, with Steven allegedly forcing his way into the house before being shot in the back of the head. The authorities, however, were skeptical of the self-defense claim put forth by the Skinners, Jennifer’s family.
As the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that the Skinner family was not cooperating with the authorities, complicating the efforts to uncover the truth behind Steven’s death. Ashland Police Chief Jim Birdsell grew suspicious of the family’s version of events, especially given the lack of concrete evidence to support their claims of self-defense. Despite initial challenges in the case, state investigators eventually took over, shedding new light on the circumstances surrounding Steven’s murder.
Investigators delved into the family dynamics and potential motives behind Steven’s killing, ultimately arriving at the conclusion that it was a calculated move to end the heated custody battle. While Jennifer was never charged in connection to the murder, her grandmother, Shirley Skinner, was arrested and later convicted of the crime, sentenced to 55 years behind bars. The case shed light on the complexities of familial relationships and the lengths some may go to in protecting their perceived interests.
In the aftermath of Steven’s tragic death, his parents fought for visitation rights with his surviving daughter, Sidney. However, Jennifer’s resistance to these arrangements led to legal battles and her eventual arrest for contempt of court. Today, Sidney resides with her paternal aunt and uncle, who have been granted permanent guardianship, providing a semblance of stability in the midst of a tumultuous ordeal. The Watkins family’s journey serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of fractured relationships and the enduring quest for justice amidst tragedy.