20/20 on ABC: Where is Michael Shaver's murderer now? Explored

The murder of Michael Shaver was a tragic event that shocked many. His wife, Laurie Shaver, was convicted of second-degree murder for killing Michael and trying to cover it up.

This case, highlighted in an episode of 20/20 on ABC, reveals shocking details about the couple's life, the investigation, and the trial. Now, after being found guilty by Judge Cary F. Rada in Lake County, Laurie Shaver is currently serving her sentence in prison in Florida.

In November 2015, Michael attended a local tractor show with his family and a coworker, Frank Merritt. Merritt noticed tension between the couple, but he didn’t think much of it.

A few days later, Michael didn’t show up for work, and Merritt received a strange text from Michael, saying he was quitting his job to save his marriage. Concerned, Merritt visited the Shaver home and was told by Laurie that Michael had left her and she didn’t know where he was.

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The murder trial

During Laurie Shaver’s trial in 2024, the prosecution presented strong evidence that pointed to her as the sole person responsible for Michael’s death. Laurie testified that their daughter, Isabelle, had accidentally shot Michael, but the prosecution argued that Laurie was acting alone.

Isabelle’s testimony contradicted her mother’s defense, claiming that she had witnessed a violent confrontation between her parents when she was just seven years old.

Isabelle’s testimony was crucial in the trial. She claimed that she had shot her father during a fight between her parents, but Laurie’s defense suggested that Jereme Townsend had also been involved.

Townsend denied any involvement, stating that Laurie had told him that Michael had left the house. The prosecution argued that these claims were fabricated to protect Laurie.

But how did Laurie get into this?

Laurie Shaver began dating Jereme Townsend, a married man, after separating from Michael. This affair became more suspicious when a strange flower delivery arrived at Townsend’s wife’s home, revealing the affair.

The flowers were paid for with Laurie’s bank account, and investigators later found that the message on the card was from Michael, even though he was already missing. These strange events raised suspicions about Laurie’s involvement in Michael’s disappearance.

In February 2018, Michael’s friend Scott Amatuccio requested a welfare check because no one had heard from Michael in over two years. When investigators arrived at Laurie’s home, they noticed a depression in the cement near the fire pit, which looked the size of a human body.

After obtaining a search warrant, they excavated the area and found Michael’s skeletal remains, wrapped in a sheet. Michael had been shot in the back of the head. The discovery led investigators to believe that Laurie was involved in his death.

The prosecution presented the evidence that pointed directly to Laurie. They argued that she had impersonated Michael, sending messages to his friends and family from his phone, even after he had been dead.

The prosecution also highlighted the discovery of Michael’s body in Laurie’s own backyard, a strong indication that she had a direct role in his death.

On September 13, 2024, the jury convicted Laurie Shaver of second-degree murder. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Michael’s family expressed relief that justice had been served, but the emotional toll of losing Michael was still difficult to bear.

Laurie Shaver is currently serving her life sentence in a Florida prison. After her conviction, she was taken into custody, and her fate is now sealed. The case has brought attention to the dangers of domestic violence and the lengths some people will go to to cover up their crimes.

Michael’s family, especially his sister Stacie, has struggled with the loss. The trial and the details revealed in court were painful, but they also brought some closure. Michael’s children, who were young when he died, are still coming to terms with the events that unfolded.

The family hopes that Michael’s story will raise awareness about the importance of domestic violence prevention and justice.

Laurie’s actions were driven by deceit, and her attempt to hide the truth ultimately led to the loss of her husband’s life. The consequences of such actions are far-reaching, affecting not only the victim but also those left behind.

The public’s reaction to the case has been mixed. While some have expressed sympathy for Michael’s family, others have criticized Laurie’s actions and the way she tried to manipulate the situation. The media coverage of the case, especially on shows like 20/20, has kept the story alive in the public’s mind.