Dateline: The Mystery on Horse-shoe Drive - What happened to Steven Watkins? Disturbing details of the 2008 incident, revealed

Dateline uncovered a shocking case rooted in a custody battle that turned out to be fatal instead. While simply trying to see his daughter, Steven Watkins was gunned down at his estranged wife’s home.

As observed on Dateline, the crime tore apart two families and exposed a disturbing web of silence, manipulation, and generational loyalty.

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A father, a fractured marriage, and a growing custody conflict

As seen on Dateline, Steven Watkins was the kind of man who cherished fatherhood. His first daughter, Alexendrea, was the centre of his entire world. His mother Penny said;

“He was just excited about every little thing…He would sleep right by Alex’s bed, holding her little hand…”

After returning from the Coast Guard, Steven looked forward to building a life with someone who shared his family values.

He thought he’d found that person in Jennifer Watkins. But their whirlwind romance and subsequent marriage quickly disintegrated after the birth of their daughter, Sidney.

According to Dateline, Steven’s parents noticed troubling behaviours. Jennifer’s family excluded Alexendrea, leaving Steven to be torn between two of his own daughters.

Penny Watkins recalled that Jennifer;

“Wanted her family and her to be part of Sidney’s life but didn’t want anybody else.”

Tensions escalated when Steven filed for divorce. That same day, Jennifer accused him of molesting both of the daughters – a claim that was ruled “unfounded” after an investigation.

As Steven sought court visitations, the Skinner (Jennifer’s) family often obstructed them, claiming Sidney was ill or unavailable. The court’s attempt to uphold Steven’s parental rights only deepened the rift that was about to explode into everyone’s faces.

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Dateline reveals a moment of tragedy that was shrouded in silence

On November 25, 2005, Steven arrived at the Skinner home for a visit. Minutes later, he lay dead on the floor, shot in the back of his head and murdered. Jenniffer called 911, saying Steven had pushed her grandmother and attempted to come after her and Sidney.

“My husband came to pick up my child because we’re getting a divorce…and now he – he’s on the floor, shot.”

Ashland Police Chief Jim Birdsell noted that Shirley Skinner, Jennifer, and others;

“…refused to give any statements”

First responders reported Shirley admitting to shooting Steven, but no gunshot residue tests were done. Scratch marks found were believed to be from firing the weapon, which were also never photographed for evidence.

Despite Shirley confessing to the crime, inconsistencies at all times clouded the case with a big, dull cloud.

According to Dateline, other family members revealed a much more sinister layer – Shirley had previously allegedly offered $10,000 to someone to ‘cap’ (i.e., kill) Steven just a few weeks prior.

Even though there were no charges put up yet against anyone, some relatives, such as Ed Skinner, believed that it was Jennifer who orchestrated the killing.

“There was nothing that Jennifer could ask for that she didn’t get…She lived as a princess.”

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Justice delayed, but not denied—as Dateline chronicled

Eventually, authorities focused on Shirley Skinner. At 75 years old, she was arrested for murder and solicitation. In May 2010, she was convicted and sentenced to 55 years in prison.

Jennifer was never truly held criminally responsible for the act. However, her actions continued to raise suspicions. When Steven’s parents were granted visitation with his youngest daughter, Sidney, Jennifer fled the state. She was arrested in 106 for violating the court orders, as reported by NBC Dateline.

Sidney was moved in with her grandparents (Steven’s parents), who were granted permanent guardianship. The case lingered in public consciousness not only because of the tragedy but because of how thoroughly a family could circle guns around one of their own, no matter the cost.

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According to Dateline, Steven Watkins’ story isn’t just about a single act of violence – it’s about how deeply rooted family bonds can obscure justice.

His death left behind grieving parents, two daughters, and lingering questions about what loyalty truly means when lives are on the line.

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