MIDDLETOWN, OH — In a disturbing case that shook the Butler County community, a 46-year-old Ohio man will serve at least four decades in prison for orchestrating the cold-blooded murder of a woman he claimed was like a sister to him.
The Fatal Night
Brandon Davis was sentenced to life in prison for masterminding the execution of Asiah Slone, 35, who had previously dated Davis’s father.
Slone’s relationship with Davis’s father had ended on bad terms, laying the groundwork for what would become a heinous crime.
A Failed First Attempt
On June 7, 2024, Davis shot Slone in the head as she slept in her bed. When Davis survived the initial attack, prosecutors say she sought the assistance of 59-year-old Perry Hart.
According to court testimony, Davis told Hart to “take her downstairs and shut up.” Hart complied, dragging the wounded woman to her basement and firing the fatal shot.
The Cover-Up Unravels
Slone’s whereabouts were unknown for nearly a month after her brother reported her as missing.
The horrific truth was revealed on July 1, 2024, when her best friend Casey Kilgore discovered Slone’s remains stuffed inside a garbage can in Middletown.
Forced Accomplice or Willing Participant?
Throughout the investigation, Hart claimed Davis had threatened him at gunpoint, asking, “Are you with me or against me?”
Hart reached an agreement with prosecutors, pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter and kidnapping in exchange for testimony against Davis. DNA evidence on the murder weapon connected Hart to the crime scene.
Swift Justice
After less than five hours of deliberation, a jury found Davis guilty of aggravated murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and illegal firearm possession.
Davis, who maintained his innocence and claimed Slone was “truly my sister,” was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 44½ years. He also received additional time for being a repeat violent offender and weapons charges.
Hart’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 31.
