On April 8, 2015, the life of 21-year-old Ashley May Craig was tragically cut short in Torrington, Wyoming. A day that should have been ordinary descended into violence, culminating in her death at the hands of her boyfriend, David Hernandez. The hours leading up to the fatal incident were marked by escalating arguments between the couple at various locations, including a church parking lot where Hernandez physically assaulted Ashley, leaving her with a bloody nose.
The conflict reached
its devastating conclusion that evening while parked outside Hernandez's father's house. As Ashley was leaning into the back of their vehicle to get their 18-month-old son from his car seat, Hernandez fired a single, fatal shot to her head. Her mother believes that Ashley was in the process of leaving the tumultuous relationship, taking her young son with her, when her life was violently taken.
In the aftermath of the shooting, David Hernandez, who was 47 at the time, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. On August 31, 2015, he pleaded guilty to the charge in District Court. Subsequently, on December 1, 2015, Hernandez was sentenced to a term of no less than 42 years to life in prison for the murder of Ashley Craig. He also received a concurrent sentence for a weapons charge. He is currently incarcerated at the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins.
Those who knew Ashley remember her as a loving and devoted mother whose son was the center of her world. She was described as an outgoing, caring, and gentle person who found joy in simple pleasures like gardening, reading to her son, and watching cartoons with him. Her family and friends remember her fondly for her love of animals, particularly horses, and her compassionate nature, which was evident in her enjoyment of helping people, especially handicapped children.
