James Witham, Joseph Pier Nal Barry, and Sha Zeiss have been sentenced to a combined minimum of 173 years in prison for their involvement in the planned and premeditated murder of Ashley Dale. The murder took place in August of last year, shocking both the local community and the country.
Witham, wearing a balaclava, stormed into Ashley’s home and fired shots from a military-grade submachine gun, resulting in her tragic death. The use of such a weapon in a planned shooting of the house’s occupants is deeply disturbing.
Ashley’s family expressed their pain and anguish outside the court, with her mother referring to the perpetrators as monsters. She stated that she could never forgive them for the life sentence she now faces. Directly addressing James Witham, the gunman, she expressed her hope that he would see her daughter’s face every night before he sleeps.
Body camera footage from the police revealed the horrifying moments when Ashley tried to escape into the dining room, seeking safety. Bullet markings were found embedded in the walls and floor, evidence of the violence that unfolded.
Friends of Ashley, including Ellie, who had known her for 26 years, spoke of their immense loss. Ellie described Ashley as her sister and soulmate, emphasizing the deep bond they shared.
The sentencing of Witham, Pier Nal Barry, and Zeiss serves as a message that the police and communities will not tolerate those who seek to destroy lives. The pain caused by this senseless act of violence will forever be felt by Ashley’s loved ones.
