A jury convicted an Ohio man of murdering a woman he claimed to consider a “sister” and sentenced him to life in prison.
According to prosecutors, Brandon Davis, 46, arranged for the execution of Asiah Slone, 35, who had a turbulent relationship with Davis’ father.
Slone’s brother reported her missing in June of 2024. Slone’s decomposing remains were discovered weeks later, on July 1, 2024, by her best friend in a garbage can in Middletown, Ohio.
Davis and Perry Hart, 59, were arrested in connection with her murder, according to prosecutors. Davis allegedly directed Hart to finish the job he started by shooting Slone in the head while she slept.
During the trial, prosecutors claimed that on June 7, 2024, Davis shot Slone in the head while she was sleeping in bed, but failed to kill her.
While Slone reportedly sustained the first gunshot wound, Davis instructed Hart to “take her downstairs and shut her up.” Hart did as he was told, dragging Slone down to her home’s basement and firing a second, fatal shot into her head.
Prosecutors said Davis asked Hart, holding a gun to his head, “Are you with me or against me?”
Hart previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and kidnapping and testified as a key witness against Davis.
As part of his plea deal, he had four felony counts of aggravated murder, murder, and illegal weapons possession dismissed. The DNA evidence from the murder weapon linked him to Slone’s death.
During her testimony, Slone’s best friend Casey Kilgore, who discovered her remains in the trash can, referred to Davis as a “monster.”
A jury deliberated for less than five hours before finding Davis guilty of aggravated murder, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and illegal firearms possession.
Davis insisted on his innocence, telling the judge in court, “I had nothing to do with the murder of Asiah Slone. She really was my sister.” Davis’ attorney stated that he planned to appeal his conviction.
A judge sentenced him to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 44 1/2 years, plus 10 years for being a violent repeat offender and an additional 4 1/2 years for the gun charges.
Hart’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 31.
