Samira Watkins, Pensacola, Florida

Zachary Litteton, US Navy

Pensacola, Florida resident Samira Watkins’ body was discovered stuffed inside a duffel bag floating along the west bank of the Bayou Grande on November 3, 2009. Samira, 25, was 2-months’-pregnant and the mother of one child; she was reported missing by her family on October 29, 2009. After an investigation, Navy sailor Zachary Littleton, 26, was arrested for homicide at the Pensacola Naval Air Station on November 23, 2009 and held without bond. A search of Zachary Littleton’s computer showed that he planned Samira Watkins’ murder.

Prosecutors allege Littleton could no longer juggle his affairs with other women: Samira was pregnant with his child and would not have an abortion; his wife, who was also in the Navy, was about to move to Pensacola to live with him; and, if the Navy found out about Samira’s pregnancy, it could end his military career. Adultery is a crime in the military and punishable by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In June 2011, Zachary Littleton was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Littleton’s attorney said the evidence in the case was circumstantial and maintained his innocence.

According to prosecutors, the crime happened like this:

• After breaking it off with Samira Watkins, Zachary Littleton made several phone calls to Samira.
• He lured her to his home under the guise of working things out and discussing the pregnancy.
• When she arrived, he strangled her until she was unconscious.
• He put tape on her mouth and then stuffed her inside of duffel bag.
• After that, he drove to the Bayou Grande and dumped her body from the bridge.
• He later dumped her car in another area, before calling a taxi to pick him up at the Waffle House.

Investigation Discovery:

ID Go: A young mom falls for a married military man after a chance meeting at his naval base. -The Girl with the Gold Earring, Forbidden: Dying for Love (S2,E8)

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Related Links:
Missing Pregnant Woman Washed Ashore in Pensacola, Florida
Pregnant Pensacola woman’s body found stuffed in duffel bag, aunt says
Samira Watkins murder arrest
Samira Watkins murder investigation arrest
Pensacola military officer charged in death of pregnant woman
Navy Officer Gets Bail In Case of Slain Pregnant Woman
Bond denied for Pensacola NAS MP as new details emerge in pregnant woman’s death
Sailor Accused of Murdering Samira Watkins to Appear in Florida Court Feb 16
Trial Begins: Man Allegedly Killed Girlfriend Refusing Abortion
Man gets life for killing pregnant mistress
Concerned Citizens of Pensacola Florida Facebook Post (October 15, 2013)
Samira Watkins: Navy Husband Dumps Pregnant Lover In Bayou On ‘Forbidden: Dying’
Samira Watkins: Navy Husband Dumps Pregnant Lover In Bayou On ‘Forbidden: Dying’ (2)
Zachary Littleton vs State of Florida (2017)
Zachary Littleton, Petitioner, v. STATE of Florida, Respondent (2017)
Devil in Uniform | Fatal Attraction (Investigation Discovery)
The Girl with the Gold Earring | Forbidden: Dying for Love | Investigation Discovery (S2,E8)
The Girl with the Gold Earring | Forbidden: Dying for Love | Investigation Discovery (website)
The Girl with the Gold Earring | Forbidden: Dying for Love | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)