Topline: Prosecutors say the woman also attempted to drown and burn the victim’s cat during an incident in the midst of their “volatile and strained relationship.”
Published: January 31, 2025 9:30 am ET
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Ashley White (via 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office)
BRIGHTON, CO – A Colorado woman was convicted for the 2020 murder of her boyfriend, a crime sparked by a volatile relationship and her frustration over his doubts about her ability to find work.
Adams County District Attorney Brian Mason announced the conviction of 29-year-old Ashley White on Tuesday following a three-week trial, according to a news release.
White was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Murder, and Robbery in connection with the 2020 death of her boyfriend, Cody DeLisa, 28, in Adams County, Colorado.
In the months leading up to the murder, White and DeLisa had a volatile and strained relationship, prosecutors say.
DeLisa often criticized White for her struggles in securing full-time employment, which contributed to tension between the two. White expressed resentment, even writing in her diary that she regretted ever meeting DeLisa. Her frustration escalated after an incident in which she attempted to drown and burn DeLisa’s cat, a behavior that raised alarms about her mental well-being.
On August 13, 2020, White attended a job interview in Denver. A neighbor drove her to the interview, and she returned home by bus, texting DeLisa about her experience. During their exchange, DeLisa expressed skepticism about her chances of getting the job, which upset White.
While on the bus, White met a man who introduced himself as “Scott.” Scott asked if she was in a relationship with a man and whether he raped her. White responded that he had, and Scott then said they must kill him.
White and Scott exited the bus some distance from White’s home, where they spent time together and fired Scott’s gun. They walked to White’s residence, where Scott introduced himself to DeLisa as White’s brother from Texas. A short time later, DeLisa was shot twice in the head. His body was discovered the following day during a welfare check.
White and Scott stole DeLisa’s wallet before leaving the home. They spent the next few days in the area before Scott departed, and White never saw him again. White was later identified as a suspect and spoke with investigators, providing a detailed account of the events that led to DeLisa’s death. She was subsequently arrested and charged.
Three years after the shooting, a woman identified as the girlfriend of Michael Stratton contacted the District Attorney’s Office, stating she believed her boyfriend was the man responsible for killing DeLisa. Her description of Stratton’s confession matched White’s account of the crime. Stratton, who was already in custody for a separate murder of a man in Pueblo that occurred after DeLisa’s death, has been deemed incompetent to stand trial in that case. He has not been charged in connection with DeLisa’s murder in Adams County.
The trial against Ashley White began on January 6, 2025, and after nearly three weeks of testimony, the jury found her guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Murder, and Robbery.
“This was a tragic and senseless murder and Ashley White bears significant culpability for it,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “Her callous actions led to the victim’s death and now she will pay a significant price. I thank the jury, who endured three weeks of difficult testimony before reaching their verdict, as well as our law enforcement partners and my team at the DA’s Office for their diligent, hard work seeking justice in this case.”
Ashley White is scheduled for sentencing on April 4, 2025.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Woman Convicted of Murder After Boyfriend’s Criticism Over Job Hunt Sparked Deadly Plot
Prosecutors say the woman also attempted to drown and burn the victim’s cat during an incident in the midst of their “volatile and strained relationship.”
By Jacob Charles
Published: January 31, 2025 9:30 am ET
Ashley White (via 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office)
BRIGHTON, CO – A Colorado woman was convicted for the 2020 murder of her boyfriend, a crime sparked by a volatile relationship and her frustration over his doubts about her ability to find work.
Adams County District Attorney Brian Mason announced the conviction of 29-year-old Ashley White on Tuesday following a three-week trial, according to a news release.
White was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Murder, and Robbery in connection with the 2020 death of her boyfriend, Cody DeLisa, 28, in Adams County, Colorado.
In the months leading up to the murder, White and DeLisa had a volatile and strained relationship, prosecutors say.
DeLisa often criticized White for her struggles in securing full-time employment, which contributed to tension between the two. White expressed resentment, even writing in her diary that she regretted ever meeting DeLisa. Her frustration escalated after an incident in which she attempted to drown and burn DeLisa’s cat, a behavior that raised alarms about her mental well-being.
On August 13, 2020, White attended a job interview in Denver. A neighbor drove her to the interview, and she returned home by bus, texting DeLisa about her experience. During their exchange, DeLisa expressed skepticism about her chances of getting the job, which upset White.
While on the bus, White met a man who introduced himself as “Scott.” Scott asked if she was in a relationship with a man and whether he raped her. White responded that he had, and Scott then said they must kill him.
White and Scott exited the bus some distance from White’s home, where they spent time together and fired Scott’s gun. They walked to White’s residence, where Scott introduced himself to DeLisa as White’s brother from Texas. A short time later, DeLisa was shot twice in the head. His body was discovered the following day during a welfare check.
White and Scott stole DeLisa’s wallet before leaving the home. They spent the next few days in the area before Scott departed, and White never saw him again. White was later identified as a suspect and spoke with investigators, providing a detailed account of the events that led to DeLisa’s death. She was subsequently arrested and charged.
Three years after the shooting, a woman identified as the girlfriend of Michael Stratton contacted the District Attorney’s Office, stating she believed her boyfriend was the man responsible for killing DeLisa. Her description of Stratton’s confession matched White’s account of the crime. Stratton, who was already in custody for a separate murder of a man in Pueblo that occurred after DeLisa’s death, has been deemed incompetent to stand trial in that case. He has not been charged in connection with DeLisa’s murder in Adams County.
The trial against Ashley White began on January 6, 2025, and after nearly three weeks of testimony, the jury found her guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Murder, and Robbery.
“This was a tragic and senseless murder and Ashley White bears significant culpability for it,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “Her callous actions led to the victim’s death and now she will pay a significant price. I thank the jury, who endured three weeks of difficult testimony before reaching their verdict, as well as our law enforcement partners and my team at the DA’s Office for their diligent, hard work seeking justice in this case.”
Ashley White is scheduled for sentencing on April 4, 2025.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Woman Convicted of Murder After Boyfriend’s Criticism Over Job Hunt Sparked Deadly Plot
Prosecutors say the woman also attempted to drown and burn the victim’s cat during an incident in the midst of their “volatile and strained relationship.”
By Jacob Charles
Published: January 31, 2025 9:30 am ET
Ashley White (via 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office)
BRIGHTON, CO – A Colorado woman was convicted for the 2020 murder of her boyfriend, a crime sparked by a volatile relationship and her frustration over his doubts about her ability to find work.
Adams County District Attorney Brian Mason announced the conviction of 29-year-old Ashley White on Tuesday following a three-week trial, according to a news release.
White was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Murder, and Robbery in connection with the 2020 death of her boyfriend, Cody DeLisa, 28, in Adams County, Colorado.
In the months leading up to the murder, White and DeLisa had a volatile and strained relationship, prosecutors say.
DeLisa often criticized White for her struggles in securing full-time employment, which contributed to tension between the two. White expressed resentment, even writing in her diary that she regretted ever meeting DeLisa. Her frustration escalated after an incident in which she attempted to drown and burn DeLisa’s cat, a behavior that raised alarms about her mental well-being.
On August 13, 2020, White attended a job interview in Denver. A neighbor drove her to the interview, and she returned home by bus, texting DeLisa about her experience. During their exchange, DeLisa expressed skepticism about her chances of getting the job, which upset White.
While on the bus, White met a man who introduced himself as “Scott.” Scott asked if she was in a relationship with a man and whether he raped her. White responded that he had, and Scott then said they must kill him.
White and Scott exited the bus some distance from White’s home, where they spent time together and fired Scott’s gun. They walked to White’s residence, where Scott introduced himself to DeLisa as White’s brother from Texas. A short time later, DeLisa was shot twice in the head. His body was discovered the following day during a welfare check.
White and Scott stole DeLisa’s wallet before leaving the home. They spent the next few days in the area before Scott departed, and White never saw him again. White was later identified as a suspect and spoke with investigators, providing a detailed account of the events that led to DeLisa’s death. She was subsequently arrested and charged.
Three years after the shooting, a woman identified as the girlfriend of Michael Stratton contacted the District Attorney’s Office, stating she believed her boyfriend was the man responsible for killing DeLisa. Her description of Stratton’s confession matched White’s account of the crime. Stratton, who was already in custody for a separate murder of a man in Pueblo that occurred after DeLisa’s death, has been deemed incompetent to stand trial in that case. He has not been charged in connection with DeLisa’s murder in Adams County.
The trial against Ashley White began on January 6, 2025, and after nearly three weeks of testimony, the jury found her guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Murder, and Robbery.
“This was a tragic and senseless murder and Ashley White bears significant culpability for it,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “Her callous actions led to the victim’s death and now she will pay a significant price. I thank the jury, who endured three weeks of difficult testimony before reaching their verdict, as well as our law enforcement partners and my team at the DA’s Office for their diligent, hard work seeking justice in this case.”
Ashley White is scheduled for sentencing on April 4, 2025.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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