‘Stand Your Ground’ hearing today for woman accused of killing her girlfriend, leaving body on porch

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The local woman accused of killing her girlfriend is expected to face a judge on Friday morning. She’s using the ‘Stand Your Ground” defense.

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Action News Jax told you last year when Shannon McCarthy was arrested in a Lakeshore neighborhood and charged with murder after Heather Sheppard’s remains were found decomposing on her front porch. Sheppard and McCarthy were dating at the time of her death.

McCarthy has pleaded not guilty to killing her girlfriend, arguing “Stand Your Ground” laws.”

Read: Homeowner charged with murder after woman’s body found on porch in Jacksonville’s Lakeshore area

Sheppard’s family told Action News Jax that she was a daughter and friend well-known for her smile, but that was all taken away when her body was found on McCarthy’s front porch. The arrest report says McCarthy wouldn’t let anyone inside her home despite the foul odor that both neighbors and family noticed coming from her screened porch.

Now, Sheppard’s family wants justice in court.

“It’s like opening up a wound every single time you have to go because you can’t move past something if you’re constantly having to live it,” said Samantha McGehee, Sheppard’s daughter.

You can expect Action News Jax to be there for the hearing at 10 a.m. We will bring you the very latest.

Read: ‘She always said I love you:’ Jacksonville family wants justice for mother killed, left on porch

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