JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Over a year after a body was found decomposed on the front porch of a Lakeshore home, the woman charged with murder is now claiming self-defense.
Attorneys representing Shannon McCarthy said they will use the “stand your ground” defense in McCarthy’s killing of 43-year-old Heather Sheppard in July of last year.
McCarthy’s attorneys say she shot Sheppard several times out of fear.
A motion filed last week claims that the two were involved in an argument and Sheppard walked to McCarthy with a shotgun. The defense says the two fought over the gun, McCarthy fell and Sheppard pointed the gun at her.
The defense said McCarthy then drew her own gun and shot Sheppard.
In July 2023, Sheppard had been missing for almost a week when human remains were eventually found on the front porch where she was confirmed to be staying with McCarthy.
Property records show McCarthy owned the house on Colonial Avenue where the body was found.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was not able to immediately identify the body because of how decomposed it was. But it was later identified as Sheppard and it was determined she had been shot and killed.
Court records showed a history of domestic disputes between McCarthy and Sheppard.
McCarthy faces a second degree murder charge along with tampering with evidence and sending written threats.
In August 2023, McCarthy pleaded not guilty to those charges.
A Duval County judge will hear the motion to make this a “stand your ground” case at 9 a.m. Aug. 9.