On a Tuesday night in September 2020, the life of 33-year-old Ashley Allen of Sicklerville, a mother of four, was tragically cut short. Police discovered her lying in the road at the intersection of 8th and Walnut streets in Camden, New Jersey, shortly before midnight on September 29th. Emergency services transported her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner later confirmed that Allen had died from a gunshot wound to the head.
The investigation into her death quickly identified her ex-boyfriend, Eric Seddens, as a suspect. It was revealed that Seddens had a history of violence against Allen, having been convicted of aggravated assault against her in 2018. He had been released from prison just two months prior to her killing and was on parole at the time of the incident. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Seddens fled the state in Allen's vehicle, initially hiding out in Philadelphia before taking a bus to Clearwater, Florida.
After approximately two weeks on the run, U.S. Marshals apprehended Seddens at a motel in Florida where he had been staying under a friend's name. Following his capture, he was extradited back to New Jersey to face charges. In March 2024, a jury found Eric Seddens guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter for the death of Ashley Allen. Two months later, in May 2024, he was sentenced to 70 years in New Jersey State Prison. Under the terms of his sentence, he will be required to serve 85% of his term before becoming eligible for parole.
