August 3, 2025

Jacksonville Woman Sentenced for Murder of Girlfriend

News Summary

Shannon McCarthy, 46, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the second-degree murder of her girlfriend, Heather Sheppard. Following an investigation, Sheppard’s remains were found outside their home, leading to McCarthy’s guilty plea. The case highlights the severe consequences of domestic violence and the ongoing community efforts for awareness and prevention.

Jacksonville – Shannon McCarthy, 46, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the second-degree murder of her girlfriend, Heather Sheppard. The sentencing occurred on Thursday, as confirmed by State Attorney Melissa Nelson. McCarthy had also pleaded guilty to charges of tampering with evidence and making written threats to kill or inflict bodily harm.

Sheppard was reported missing by her daughter on July 3, 2023, with the last sighting of her on June 29, 2023. Following a police investigation into her disappearance, detectives discovered Sheppard’s remains in an advanced state of decomposition outside the couple’s home on Colonial Avenue on July 5, 2023. During the investigation, McCarthy was noted to have allowed detectives to search their home. However, she was seen throwing a tarp over certain items located on the front porch moments before the remains were found.

Prior to the discovery, neighbors had alerted police to a foul odor coming from the residence. Sheppard’s family expressed concern over her phone being turned off and her credit cards missing. Additionally, a pair of blood-stained shoes were found within the home, and Sheppard’s truck was located with a bullet hole in it.

An autopsy performed on Sheppard confirmed that she had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Projectiles recovered from her body matched those from McCarthy’s firearm, as determined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. McCarthy’s legal troubles prior to the murder included charges related to a battery incident involving Sheppard in January 2023. At the time of the murder, McCarthy was out on bond for those charges.

After the remains of Sheppard were discovered, a judge revoked McCarthy’s bond due to the severity of the situation. Initially, McCarthy attempted to defend her actions by filing a “Stand Your Ground” motion, claiming self-defense; however, this motion was denied by a judge in October.

The events surrounding Sheppard’s case have deeply impacted her family and the Jacksonville community. Authorities conducted thorough investigations, leading to the discovery of evidence that ultimately contributed to McCarthy’s guilty plea. McCarthy’s sentence reflects the seriousness of her actions and the tragic loss of Sheppard’s life.

McCarthy’s plea and subsequent sentencing mark a significant chapter in this case, highlighting the legal consequences of violent acts within intimate relationships. The tragic circumstances of Sheppard’s death serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from domestic violence, and the ongoing need for awareness and prevention efforts in communities.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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