In a shocking and brutal crime that rocked the United States, Ashley McArthur was found guilty of the murder of private investigator Taylor Wright. This heinous act of cold-bloodedness serves as a stark reminder of the heartbreaking crimes that have plagued the nation for decades.
The Disappearance of Taylor Wright
The mysterious disappearance of Taylor Wright in 2017 remains a haunting enigma. In the investigative series’ episode aired on April 23, correspondent Keith Morrison delves into the life of Taylor Wright, speaking with her loved ones and co-workers to paint a picture of the person she was. The circumstances surrounding her sudden vanishing are unveiled, shedding light on the events that unfolded thereafter.
Who is Ashley McArthur?
Ashley McArthur, a close friend of the murder victim, worked as a crime scene technician. Taylor Wright, a former police officer and a 33-year-old private investigator, had entrusted McArthur with a significant sum of money, amounting to over $30,000, for safekeeping. As best friends, their bond seemed unbreakable.
Unraveling the Events
Initially, Taylor’s disappearance was treated as a missing person case. However, new information emerged as Casandra, Taylor’s live-in girlfriend, informed authorities that she hadn’t seen her partner since September 8, 2017. The last text message from Taylor was received at 11:20 am, after which all communication ceased.
During the investigation, Ashley McArthur’s involvement quickly raised suspicions. She had sent a text to her cousin, inquiring about his whereabouts on the farm, although he was attending a funeral. In a police interview, McArthur claimed that she and Taylor had gone to her family’s property to ride horses before returning to McArthur’s house. Taylor supposedly took an Uber to a bar from there.
McArthur expressed her belief that Taylor was unharmed due to her reputation for being tough and always carrying weapons. However, cell phone records contradicted this statement. The subsequent lead pursued by the police led them to discover Taylor’s body concealed on another farm owned by McArthur’s family. She had been callously shot in the back of her head and buried beneath a layer of potted soil and concrete. McArthur’s bank records further supported the mounting evidence against her.
The Trial and Conviction
Prosecutor Bridgette Jenson presented a compelling case against Ashley McArthur. Highlighting her motive, opportunity, and attempts to cover up the crime, Jenson convincingly argued that McArthur had committed the murder for financial gain. Witnesses, including Audrey Warne, a bartender and friend of McArthur, testified to McArthur’s previous statements about killing Taylor.
John Berose, McArthur’s lawyer, attempted to discredit the prosecution’s case by emphasizing the absence of physical evidence directly linking his client to Taylor’s death. He also raised questions about Taylor’s alleged drug use and mental state.
Despite the defense’s efforts, the jury found Ashley McArthur guilty of first-degree premeditated murder. On August 30, 2019, she was sentenced to life in prison.
Ashley McArthur Today
Currently, Ashley McArthur is serving her life sentence at the Lowell Correctional Institution, also known as the Lowell Annex, in Ocala, Florida. This women’s prison, located northwest of Orlando, has a capacity of 1,500 inmates.
In addition to her murder conviction, McArthur also received a seven-year prison sentence for unrelated crimes, including fraud. These charges stemmed from incidents that occurred before the murder of Taylor Wright, involving theft from local businesses while managing Pensacola Automatic Amusement, a company owned by McArthur’s family.
Conclusion
The case of Ashley McArthur’s conviction for the murder of Taylor Wright stands as a stark reminder of the heinous crimes that can occur. With justice served, McArthur’s life is now confined within prison walls, while Taylor’s loved ones strive to heal from the devastating loss. The pursuit of truth and the tireless efforts of law enforcement brought closure to a haunting chapter in the nation’s history.