DEKALB COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -
A woman who pleaded guilty to killing her stepfather has a message for her neighbors.
WAFF 48 News had our cameras there Friday as Karri Willoughby left DeKalb County for Tutwiler Women's Prison.
Some are questioning if she thought of herself more as a star rather than a convicted murderer.
Apparently Willoughby knew this was a high profile case, as she signed autographs before she left.
Not sure the reason, but several jail staff received an autographed picture from Willoughby before she left.
That happened around 10 Friday morning before she headed to state prison to begin her 20 year sentence for murder.
Willoughby pleaded guilty Wednesday to the murder of her stepfather Billy Shaw, Jr. at his DeKalb County home.
Opening statements in her capital murder trial were set to begin Wednesday, but that's when she accepted the plea deal.
Prosecutors contend Willoughby used her position as a nurse to obtain drugs that were used to inject Shaw in 2008, which caused his death.
Prosecutors say Willoughby was facing bankruptcy for a second time and was seeking her portion of Shaw's nearly $400,000 estate.
On her way out, Willoughby had some parting words.
"Just want my community to take care of my husband and children," she said.
Willoughby was transferred to Tutwiler Prison for Women in Elmore County.
We spoke to a member of Shaw's family who says they plan to be at future parole hearings to fight any chance she has of getting out early.
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