On March 13, 2018, four-year-old Caucasian female Ava Grace Field was tragically killed in her home in Spanaway, Washington. The young girl, known for her pigtails and constant smiles, was shot in her bed. Her life was taken alongside her two-year-old brother, Ashen Conner Field, and their 32-year-old mother, Samantha Dayle Field.
The perpetrator of this devastating act was Ava's own father.
After shooting his wife and two young children, he contacted the police to thank them for their time before taking his own life. The only member of the family to be physically unharmed was their pet dog.
Samantha Field was a dedicated mother who was deeply involved in her children's lives, often including them in activities like cooking to create learning opportunities. At the time of her death, she was only weeks away from earning her Paralegal Degree from the American Military University. The family had previously lived in New Mexico and Georgia while her husband was stationed there, and Samantha had been active in mothers' groups, offering support and service to other parents. The unexpected and violent loss of Ava, her brother, and their mother left their family and community in mourning.
