The 2008 shooting of Steven Watkins in Ashland, Illinois, remains one of the most controversial and emotionally charged criminal cases involving an elderly offender in modern U.S. legal history. At the center of the case is Shirley Skinner, a then-75-year-old grandmother who was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of her granddaughter’s estranged husband. As of 2025, she remains incarcerated at the age of 91.
This article presents a detailed, fact-based timeline of the Shirley Skinner case, from the day of the crime to her current status, while addressing the broader legal, ethical, and societal implications her story continues to raise.
November 25, 2008: The Day of the Crime
On this date, Steven Watkins arrived at the Skinner residence to carry out a court-ordered visitation with his young daughter. Upon entering the home, he was shot in the back of the head with a .22 caliber revolver. Multiple family members and children were reportedly present in the home at the time.
According to investigators and trial records, Shirley Skinner pulled the trigger. The event not only resulted in Watkins’ death, but also set off a nationwide discussion about custody disputes, family violence, and elderly criminal responsibility.
2010: Conviction and Sentencing
After a two-year legal process, Skinner was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 55 years in prison. The trial included expert forensic testimony and strong emotional appeals from the Watkins family.
Key factors influencing the outcome included:
- Testimony indicating the shooting was premeditated
- Evidence of ongoing custody disputes involving Skinner’s granddaughter
- Rejection of Skinner’s defense claims, including self-defense
At age 77, Skinner became one of the oldest individuals in Illinois history to receive such a sentence.
2014: Clemency Petition Filed and Denied
In response to Skinner’s declining health, her family filed a clemency petition requesting early release on compassionate grounds. They cited her advanced age, deteriorating health, and low risk to society.
The petition was strongly opposed by the Watkins family, who argued that granting clemency would undermine justice for Steven and his daughter. The state denied the petition, and no further clemency appeals have been made public since.
2015–2024: Life Inside Logan Correctional Center
Shirley Skinner has remained housed in the medical wing of Logan Correctional Center, a women’s prison in Illinois that accommodates elderly and chronically ill inmates. She reportedly suffers from:
- Multiple strokes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Limited mobility and daily dependence on medical care
Due to these conditions, she receives around-the-clock supervision and minimal interaction with the general prison population.
Her advanced age and frailty have not led to early release, but her case continues to be referenced in debates over how the justice system treats elderly incarcerated individuals.
May 2025: Current Status
As of May 2025:
- Shirley Skinner is still alive, though physically frail and under strict medical supervision
- She is 91 years old and remains incarcerated
- She has not been granted parole or clemency, and her projected release date remains decades in the future
- Public records confirm she is still classified as an active inmate
Given the length of her sentence, Shirley Skinner is highly unlikely to be released during her lifetime, barring extraordinary legal intervention.
Ongoing Legal and Ethical Debate
The Shirley Skinner case has become a touchpoint in national conversations around justice reform, particularly as it relates to:
- Sentencing for elderly defendants
- Compassionate release laws
- Accountability versus mercy in violent crimes
Advocates for criminal justice reform often cite Skinner’s case when arguing for more flexible guidelines for aged inmates. However, critics maintain that her actions were premeditated and fatal, and that age should not absolve responsibility for serious crimes.
Has Shirley Skinner Shown Remorse?
As of 2025, no public statement of remorse or responsibility has been issued by Shirley Skinner. Legal analysts note that this absence could be:
- A strategic decision, advised by attorneys
- A personal refusal to acknowledge guilt
- A lack of opportunity due to her health condition
This silence has significantly affected public opinion and continues to be a barrier to any future consideration of clemency or leniency.
The Lasting Impact on the Families
For the Watkins Family:
- The murder of Steven Watkins left a deep emotional scar
- His daughter grew up without her father, despite his efforts to remain in her life through court-ordered visitation
- Family members have actively opposed clemency petitions and continue to advocate for victim rights and legal integrity
For the Skinner Family:
- Shirley’s incarceration created long-term emotional and financial strain
- Her granddaughter, whose custody dispute triggered the confrontation, has largely remained out of the public eye
- The family has made repeated efforts to secure compassionate release, though unsuccessfully
Media Coverage and Public Awareness
The case has been featured in several true crime documentaries and investigative programs, which explore:
- The psychology of elderly offenders
- Family dynamics in violent crime cases
- The moral complexities of long-term incarceration for seniors
These media portrayals have helped maintain ongoing public interest in the case, positioning it as a key example in broader criminal justice discussions.
Conclusion: Justice, Compassion, and Complexity
The Shirley Skinner case remains one of the most emotionally charged and legally complex cases in Illinois’ recent history. As of 2025, she continues to serve a 55-year sentence for the murder of Steven Watkins, without signs of imminent release. At 91, she remains under medical supervision, aging behind prison walls.
Her case raises lasting questions:
- Should age mitigate the punishment for violent crimes?
- Is justice better served through accountability or compassion?
- What role should remorse—or the lack of it—play in determining a prisoner’s fate?
For now, the legal system remains firm in its decision, and Shirley Skinner continues to live out her sentence, a controversial figure whose story continues to echo through legal, ethical, and human conversations alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shirley Skinner still alive in 2025?
Yes. She is currently alive and incarcerated at Logan Correctional Center in Illinois.
How old is Shirley Skinner now?
She is 91 years old as of May 2025.
What was she convicted of?
First-degree murder for the 2008 shooting of Steven Watkins, her granddaughter’s estranged husband.
Is there any chance she will be released?
Very unlikely. Her earliest parole eligibility is decades away, and her clemency requests have been denied.
Has she ever expressed remorse?
There are no public records or official statements showing that she has acknowledged guilt or expressed remorse.