An Ohio man who claimed to consider his victim a “sister” has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of orchestrating her brutal murder.
Brandon Davis, 46, was found guilty of multiple charges, including aggravated murder, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and illegal firearm possession. A jury deliberated for less than five hours before delivering the verdict.
According to prosecutors, Davis arranged the killing of 35-year-old Asiah Slone, who had previously been in a tumultuous relationship with his father. Slone was reported missing in June 2024 by her brother. Weeks later, on July 1, her decomposing body was discovered inside a garbage can in Middletown, Ohio, by her best friend.
Authorities arrested two suspects in connection with the murder: Davis and 59-year-old Perry Hart. Prosecutors revealed that Davis initially attempted to kill Slone on June 7, 2024, by shooting her in the head while she slept. However, she survived the first gunshot.
Davis then ordered Hart to “take her downstairs and shut her up.” Hart complied, dragging the wounded Slone to the basement and delivering a second, fatal shot to her head.
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During the trial, prosecutors also presented evidence that Davis had coerced Hart into participating by holding a gun to his head and asking, “Are you with me or are you against me?”
Hart, who previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and kidnapping, became a key witness against Davis. As part of his plea deal, multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder, murder, and illegal weapon possession, were dropped. DNA evidence on the murder weapon linked him to the crime.
Slone’s best friend, Casey Kilgore, who found her remains, testified during the trial, calling Davis a “monster.”
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Davis maintained his innocence, stating in court, “I had nothing to do with the murder of Asiah Slone. She truly was my sister.” His attorney confirmed plans to appeal the conviction.
A judge sentenced Davis to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 44 and a half years. Additionally, he received a 10-year sentence for being a violent repeat offender and another four and a half years for firearm-related charges.
Hart’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 31.
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