Florida mom convicted of murdering husband and blaming daughter

Laurie Shaver, a 41-year-old mother from Claremont, Florida, was convicted of second-degree murder for the 2015 shooting death of her husband, Michael Shaver, aged 36. The jury deliberated for five hours before reaching a guilty verdict. Prosecutors presented evidence that Laurie shot Michael in the back of the head and then concealed his death for three years, even impersonating him on social media and through text messages to maintain the facade that he was still alive. During the trial, Laurie's 16-year-old daughter testified, recounting a story that implicated herself in the shooting, claiming she shot her father while he was attacking her mother. This testimony was seen as influenced by Laurie, who had previously accused another individual of disposing of Michael's body. The daughter described a tumultuous home life filled with violence, indicating that Michael had a strained relationship with his children. Laurie's defense team plans to appeal the conviction, arguing that the evidence presented was insufficient to support the jury's decision. The case has drawn significant media attention due to the shocking nature of the crime and the involvement of the couple's young daughter in the narrative. Sentencing for Laurie Shaver is scheduled for November 25, where she faces the possibility of life imprisonment. The case raises questions about domestic violence, parental influence, and the psychological impact on children who witness such traumatic events.