Born in November 1978, Ashley Pittman Scott was raised in Bossier City, Louisiana. As she pursued higher education at Ouachita Baptist University, Ashley met Jeffrey Scott – a business major – whom she would eventually marry in June 2001 after an amorous courtship. Ashley went on to establish a successful teaching career as an English instructor in Memphis Tennessee – her home city at that point.
The Horrific Incident: Thanksgiving Day, 2006
On the afternoon of November 23, 2006, emergency services received a distressing call at approximately 3:46 pm. Jeffrey Scott reported his wife Ashley’s critical condition, stating she was bleeding profusely. Upon arriving at the couple’s home, officers discovered Ashley on the bedroom floor, her lifeless form showcasing terrifying evidence of brutality.
The Crime Scene
Ashley Scott’s body was marked by widespread blunt force trauma, including a skull fracture, brain swelling, and numerous bruises. Disturbingly, a shoe print was also detected on her body. In the living room, a broken vase indicated a violent altercation, while potential traces of blood or bodily fluids were discovered in the garage.
The Investigation: Uncovering a History of Abuse
Jeffrey Scott’s account of a heated argument escalating into physical violence the night before Ashley’s death raised investigators’ suspicions. The autopsy report contradicted his narrative, revealing multiple injuries indicative of sustained abuse. Friends and acquaintances came forward, reporting instances of verbal, emotional, and physical mistreatment Ashley endured, including a horrifying episode when Jeffrey had strangled her.
The Affair: A Complicated Love Triangle
As the investigation deepened, it was revealed that Jeffrey had engaged in a sporadic affair with a co-worker, Virginia Brown, over several years. In a strange twist, Ashley and Virginia had developed a friendship. The revelation further complicated the narrative around Ashley’s tumultuous marriage and the ongoing abuse.
Family Estrangement and Plans to Leave
Ashley’s family shared their alienation after she married Jeffrey, with their absence from the couple’s wedding becoming a poignant emblem of their estrangement. As details emerged, it became clear that Ashley had planned to leave Jeffrey in the days leading up to her murder. She had consulted a lawyer and prepared to leave, evident by the clothes packed in her car’s trunk.
The Trial and Conviction
Jeffrey Scott, then 32 years old, was found guilty of second-degree murder in January 2009 and received a sentence of 25 years without the possibility of parole the following month. Currently serving his time at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex in Pikeville Tennessee.
Reflections on Ashley Scott’s Tragic Murder
The chilling murder of Ashley Scott serves as a grim reminder of the devastating outcomes of abuse and betrayal in intimate relationships. Her story underscores the urgent need for intervention, support, and resources for those experiencing domestic violence, in the hope that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
