Huntsville, AL, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Logan McKinley Delp, a 41-year-old man from Huntsville, was sentenced to life without parole for the murder of Anthony Larry Sheppard in a murder-for-hire scheme. The case involved financial motives tied to a custody dispute. Delp was convicted on two counts of capital murder by a Morgan County jury after evidence revealed he was hired to kill Sheppard to prevent him from regaining custody of his child. Four co-defendants are also facing charges in connection with this case.
Huntsville Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for 2020 Murder-for-Hire of Anthony Larry Sheppard
Logan McKinley Delp, a 41-year-old man from Huntsville, was convicted of capital murder by a Morgan County jury for the murder of Anthony Larry Sheppard, which occurred in July 2020. The jury found Delp guilty on two counts of capital murder: capital murder for pecuniary gain and capital murder for shooting into a dwelling.
The conviction stems from a welfare check conducted by Hartselle Police at Sheppard’s home on Dawson Street after he failed to appear for a scheduled custody hearing. Upon arrival, law enforcement found Sheppard’s storm door shattered, his main door open, and he was discovered dead with multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators later determined that Delp had been hired to kill Sheppard to prevent him from regaining custody of his child.
Following the verdict, Delp was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole in the Alabama Department of Corrections. The trial concluded in a rapid fashion, with jury deliberation lasting just 20 minutes before reaching a guilty verdict.
In connection to Sheppard’s murder, four other individuals are also charged with capital murder: LaJuhn Keith Smart, Aaron Howard, Jaclyn Skuce, and Angela Stolz. Jaclyn Skuce, who is the mother of Sheppard’s child, allegedly contracted Delp to kill Sheppard for $30,000 as indicated on a Facebook account. One of the co-defendants has already pleaded guilty, while the remaining three suspects await trial.
The verdict was seen as a significant step towards closure for Sheppard’s family. During the sentencing, Sheppard’s mother and two sisters provided victim impact statements, while Delp did not make a statement.
Background on the Case
Anthony Larry Sheppard was reportedly involved in a custody dispute concerning his child at the time of his death. The murder occurred amid ongoing legal battles, with investigators uncovering that financial motive was a driving force behind the crime. The swift deliberation by the jury reflected the clear evidence presented during the trial, leading to Delp’s immediate sentencing.
This case highlights the complexities of murder for hire and the legal implications for all parties involved. The situation not only caused grief for Sheppard’s family but also drew attention to issues surrounding child custody and the extremes to which individuals might go to circumvent legal processes.
FAQ
Who was Logan McKinley Delp?
Logan McKinley Delp is a 41-year-old man from Huntsville who was convicted of capital murder by a Morgan County jury.
What crime was Delp convicted of?
Delp was convicted of two counts of capital murder: capital murder for pecuniary gain and capital murder for shooting into a dwelling.
What led to the discovery of Anthony Larry Sheppard’s body?
Hartselle Police conducted a welfare check at Sheppard’s home after he failed to appear for a scheduled custody hearing and discovered him dead with multiple gunshot wounds.
What was the motive behind the murder?
Investigators determined that Delp was hired to kill Sheppard to prevent him from regaining custody of his child.
What was Delp’s sentence?
Delp was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole in the Alabama Department of Corrections.
Are other individuals involved in this case?
Yes, four other individuals are also charged with capital murder in connection to the case.
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville Man Convicted of Capital Murder
- AL.com: Confession in North Alabama Murder
- ABC3340: Huntsville Man Sentenced to Life for Capital Murder
- Google Search: Anthony Larry Sheppard
- Decatur Daily: Logan Delp Sentenced to Life Without Parole
- Wikipedia: Capital Murder
- WHNT: One of Hartselle Five Convicted of Murder-for-Hire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison 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 Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
