A Colorado woman was convicted of murder after she and a stranger she met on a bus killed her boyfriend who expressed skepticism about her ability to land a job. Ashley White, 29, was found guilty of second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, and robbery in the August 2020 death of Cody DeLisa, 28, the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office said in a press release.
The couple had a volatile and strained relationship leading up to the murder. DeLisa often criticized White for her struggles to secure stable employment, which created tension between them. The deadly incident was triggered by DeLisa's skeptical comment during an exchange about White's job interview.
On the day of the murder, White had attended the job interview and was returning home on the bus when she texted DeLisa to discuss her experience. Prosecutors stated, "DeLisa expressed skepticism about her chances of getting the job, which upset White.” Enraged, White struck up a conversation with the stranger, who identified himself as “Scott.” During their discussion, White shared her frustrations handling DeLisa's remarks.
"Scott asked if she was in a relationship with anyone and whether he had hurt her. When White responded affirmatively, Scott suggested they should kill DeLisa," lawyers mentioned during the trial. Fanning the flames of her anger, Scott had firearms on him and shared his plan to murder DeLisa.
After they devised their scheme, White brought Scott to her home, introducing him to her boyfriend as her brother from Texas. Shortly after arriving, Scott shot DeLisa twice in the head. His body was discovered the following day by authorities during a welfare check initiated by concerned individuals after DeLisa failed to show up for work.
After the murder, White and Scott stole DeLisa's wallet and spent days together before parting ways. They never saw each other again. Investigators soon tracked down White as a suspect due to contradictions in her account of events. She eventually detailed the circumstances leading up to DeLisa's death to police.
Roughly three years post-murder, a woman who was dating Scott contacted prosecutors, stating she believed her boyfriend, identified as Michael Stratton, had confessed to the crime. The woman's description of Stratton's confession aligned with White's account, casting light on the previously murky developments surrounding the murder.
Despite existing charges against Stratton for another murder committed after DeLisa's death, he has not been charged for being complicit in this incident. He was found incompetent to stand trial for the Pueblo murder, which left many questions unanswered.
District Attorney Brian Mason characterized the act as “tragic and senseless,” asserting, “This was a tragic and senseless murder, and Ashley White bears significant culpability for it. Her callous actions led to the victim’s death, and now she will pay a significant price.”
Reflecting the horrifying nature of the situation, many observers have drawn unsettling comparisons between this case and the 1951 Alfred Hitchcock classic film “Strangers on a Train,” which features characters plotting murders to evade detection. Highlighting the serious consequences of wrongful thoughts and actions, this uncertain saga has left many pondering the dangers of misguided vengeance.
With her sentencing now expected on April 4, 2023, Ashley White's case serves as yet another stark reminder of how deeply personal grievances can spiral out of control, resulting not only in loss but also irrevocable pain to those left behind.