A Colorado woman, Ashley White, was convicted of second-degree murder for orchestrated killing of her boyfriend, Cody DeLisa, following arguments about her job prospects. The jury delivered its verdict on January 28, 2024, after a three-week trial, where White was seen as having significant culpability for the tragic circumstances surrounding DeLisa's death.
The conviction stems from events on August 13, 2020, when tensions between the couple boiled over. White, aged 29, had returned home from a job interview and texted DeLisa about the experience. DeLisa, 28, expressed skepticism about her chances of landing the job during their exchange, which upset White considerably. Their relationship had been fraught with conflict and criticism, especially centered around White's struggles to secure steady employment.
Prosecutors revealed details of their volatile relationship, noting how White had even written diary entries expressing her resentment. Frustration escalated to disturbing behavior; prior to the murder, she attempted to drown and burn DeLisa’s cat.
During the fateful bus ride home after the interview, White met Michael Stratton, whom she later recruited for her deadly plot. According to the district attorney, Stratton introduced himself, and during their conversation, called White's relationship with DeLisa abusive. After she confided to him about her troubles, the two conspired together, leading to the horrific act.
They planned to kill DeLisa shortly after disembarking the bus. Stratton posed as White's brother when they arrived home, which provided him easy access to DeLisa. It wasn't long before the young man was shot twice in the head, and his body was discovered the next day during a welfare check.
Afterward, White and Stratton stole DeLisa's wallet, showcasing their complete disregard for the life they had taken. For three years, the case sat relatively quiet until new evidence emerged early 2023 when Stratton's girlfriend reported his involvement to authorities. She identified him as the man who bragged about the murder, aligning with White’s account of the crime. Though Stratton has not been charged due to mental competency issues stemming from another case, his alleged admission provided traction to the initial investigation.
White’s trial was marked by intense scrutiny of the relationship dynamics she shared with DeLisa. The narrative was chilling – here was a woman not only upset over her job prospects but someone willing to take extreme measures over conflict. “This was a tragic and senseless murder, and Ashley White bears significant culpability for it,” stated District Attorney Brian Mason, expressing the somber reality of the situation. He emphasized the need for accountability, saying, “Her callous actions led to the victim’s death and now she will pay a significant price.”
Her sentencing is scheduled for April 4, 2024, and will likely weigh heavily on how such seemingly mundane conflicts can escalate dangerously and lethally within troubled relationships.