On a tragic day in April 2023, 40-year-old Ashley Elizabeth Neville, a female resident of Columbus, Indiana, was found deceased in her home, bringing a grim end to a search initiated by a concerning welfare check. The events leading to the discovery of her body began to unfold in the early morning hours of April 16th, when law enforcement was dispatched to her residence on East County Road 650S.
The initial welfare check was prompted by a chilling phone call from the daughter of Anthony
Carter, Neville's 49-year-old boyfriend from Indianapolis. Carter's daughter reported that her father had confessed to killing his girlfriend. Upon their arrival, deputies were unable to make contact with anyone inside the home. Later that day, a report of a suspicious man hiding in the woods near Neville's residence led to the discovery and arrest of Carter. He was taken into custody without incident.
Following Carter's apprehension, a search warrant was executed at Neville's home. Inside, investigators found her body concealed under a pile of clothing and other items on a bed. An autopsy later revealed that Neville had died from a gunshot wound to the head. The investigation also brought to light that a no-contact order had been in place to protect Neville from Carter at the time of her death.
Anthony Carter was subsequently charged with murder. During the investigation, he confessed to shooting and asphyxiating Neville. He also led authorities to the location in the woods where he had hidden the murder weapon. In October 2024, after a six-day trial, a jury found Anthony Carter guilty of the murder of Ashley Neville. The jury recommended a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. In December 2024, a judge formally sentenced Carter to life in prison without parole, ensuring he would spend the remainder of his life incarcerated for the crime.
