It was then he saw a body. November 8th, 2018, Precedential Status: | Editor The Jury heard that a. t 6.56am,Alexishad a missed call from Ashlea and when she noticed it, Another neighbor, Patrick Sweet, also testified. In her testimony, Cervantez describes abusive behavior from Mallory, who she says threatened to kill her family if she didnt comply with his orders. According to news reports, Carter was an assistant store manager at the time, along with 31-year-oldAshlea Ann Harris. Chris went over to Detective Cedillo to tell him what he knew. Cravey indicated that he did. CourtListener is sponsored by the non-profit Free Law Project. The Jury heard that Clarence was arrested in the car park at the mall . Carter's case was heard first. Once there, she re-hired Mallory. The only thing missing from Ashlea's apartment were her keys. Inside he found 2 shovels and a box of plastic sheeting. He was eventually labeled as non-rehirable in the American Eagle system. He moved to Ft. Worth and reunited with Carter, who allegedly falsified his social security number to cheat the system and get him employment at the Ft. Worth store. When police looked at mall surveillance the video showed a person wearing a grey sweatshirt and black hat arrive at the security gate at American Eagle. He spotted the black Infinity in the apartment parking lot. Whoever was the last person to leave had locked the door behind them. Carter Carol Cervantez, 27, enters court Tuesday, May 17, 2016, with defense attorneys Steve Gordon, right, and Bill Ray, not pictured. Fire investigator, Wallace Hood, with the Ft. Worth Fire Department arrived on the scene around 8:45 am. However, their jobs did not last long when they were allegedly found suspects of a robbery that took place in the store on August 24, 2014. He called 911 as he realized there must be a fire. Carter was arrested the following day by Tarrant County deputies. Cervantez was recently found guilty of her involvement and sentenced to life in prison without parole in May 2016, reported the Star-Telegram. Jeans with FWPD Crime Scene Unit. Clarence David Mallory, 22, would meet a similar fate in August 2017. Zach Shallcross Struggles to Watch Himself Dancing Terribly on The Bachelor, Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, Alison Brie on Sex Scenes: 'We Are Actors, This Is Our Job'. Prosecutors say Cervantez and her. Due to that, they wanted to speak to the owner of the Infiniti G35. Officers found Mallory waiting in Cervantes car in the Hulen Mall parking lot and took him into custody. The Prosecution claimed that person was Carter. She and her. They told authorities Harris usually left her keys on the kitchen counter, and that her home and car keys were on the same keychain as the keys to the American Eagle store where she worked. They founda plastic tub that contained bungee cords and arope. Carter Carol Cervantez v. The State of Texas Case Number: 02-16-00224-CR Judge: Mark T. Pittman Court: Court of Appeals Second Appellate District of Texas at Fort Worth Plaintiff's Attorney: Joseph W. Spence Defendant's Attorney: William H. "Bill" Ray Steven W. Conder Description: The trial for the horrific murder of an American Eagle employee on Black Friday began this week in Fort Worth, TX. Ashlea had been murdered and her body and apartment had been set on fire. Carter Carol Cervantez, 25, was taken into custody by Tarrant County Sheriffs on Saturday. She told the Court she did not kill Ashlea and played no part in her death. The couple were arrested this weekend Cervantez in Fort Worth and Mallory in Amarillo on warrants accusing them of capital murder for Harris's slaying and theft $1,500 to $20,000 for the. On the 24th of August 2014, at 1.14am, $18000 was stolen from the safe in the American Eagle store. They discovered that Ashlea's missing keys had the store keys on them too. BestsellerThe Barista Express grinds, foams milk, and produces the silkiest espresso at the perfect temperature. Malloy is being held in a Potter County Jail and will be. | Store Various documents were found. 'They slash her throat and then, when she is finally dead, they set her place on fire. It was a black Infiniti G35 with a faded toll sticker on its roof. They also found another lock labeled lock picking practice lock. It looked new as there was notany noticeable wear and the plastic price tag fastener was still attached. Cervantez alleges that she did not commit the murder and was asleep in her apartment when Harris was robbed and killed. I need to take care ofthat. He thought that somebody had collected Ashlea for work. Precedential, Citations: Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. arrived on the scene. A break came when one of Harris neighbors told police that on the morning of the murder, he noticed a black, two-door Infiniti parked in the apartment complexs parking lot which didnt belong to any of the residents. He observed. The M.E. She would always find a way at work to make it harder on you.. She was raised in a large and loving family and made friends wherever she went. When Detective Cedillo entered the coordinates it came up to a specific location near Lueders, Texas. They were caught within days after several witnesses identified their vehicle to be present at the crime scene and supplied the police with a strong motive for them to commit the homicide. As a result of his incompetency, he was fired, and American Eagle put him on the Do Not Hire Again list. Harris reported Cervantes and Mallory as the likely suspects after Carter was seen leaving a door in the back of the store unlocked, according to the Amarillo Globe-News. Christopher Chris Cravey, Ashlea's boss, heard that police were asking about that vehicle and he told them he knew someone who drove one. Ashlea was found lying face down on the floor of her bedroom. He testified that when he entered the apartment, itwas full of smoke and water was spraying from the sprinkler system. A mysterious fire, missing keys, and a black sports car. Cervantez was the assistant store manager who was to lock up the night of the theft. 27-year-old old Carter Carol Cervantez is on trial for capital murder in the. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Aloaded Glock 19 with a bullet in the chamber was found under the driver's seat. The prosecution alleged Carter to be the mastermind behind the homicide. While Cervantes moved six hours away to Fort Worth, Mallory stayed in Amarillo. , updated After missing several shifts, he was fired and barred from working at other American Eagle stores. He determined the source of all the smoke was coming from the bedroom and specifically the bed. Did we leave it behind? Our district manager basically gave her the option to quit or to get transferred, said Groen. After more evidence is gathered they are arrested on December 4, 2014. Patrick testified that he thought about what he should do. She workedas an assistant managerin an American Eagle store in the Hulen Mall. Cervantes was later located at her apartment and agreed to meet with detectives. After that, she went to work. Cervantez pleads not guilty. At 6:56 am Alexis noticed a missed call from Ashlea. Protect yourself and those you love. He heard the door of Ashlea's apartment close and when he looked out his window, he saw a, black Infiniti G35 driving away. Each is charged with one count of capital murder. The scream was followed by a loud thud and he, could hear labored breathing. Cervantez is arrested in Lubbock and Mallory is taken into custody in Amarillo. Police believed they were used for practice as theywerelabeled lock picking practice lock.. (Joyce Marshall)</p> Author: WFAA Staff Published:. Patrick testified that he thought about what he should do. Investigators believe the fire was an abrupt change in plan. Harris and other workers helped identify them as suspects, KHOU reports. One of Harris friends had stopped by after Ashlea got off work on Thanksgiving night and stayed until around 5 a.m. Ashlea immediately contacted loss prevention, Chris Cravey, and the district manager. Home by Chilling Crimes Her feet and hands were bound with duct tape and she was covered in blood, according to Texas Amarillo Globe-News newspaper. Alexis usually watched Ashleas dog Nala when she worked. When he realized it was Ashlea's apartment and when he observed her car was still parked outside, he ran upstairs and kicked her door down. In May 2016, 27-year-old Carter Carol Cervantes was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole, according to The Dallas Morning News. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that 27-year-old Carter Carol Cervantez was convicted of capital murder Thursday and sentenced to life in prison. They found a lock in a kitchen drawer and a TASER box and some strands of duct tape in the trash. Both Mallory and Cervantez are questioned and released despite both being caught lying and contradicting each other. Carter worked thereas an assistant manager and she hired her boyfriend Clarence to work at the same store. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that 27-year-old Carter Carol Cervantez was convicted of capital murder Thursday and sentenced to life in prison . A key belonging to another assistant store manager was left in the night deposit box. Jeff Kayser to testify. The key opened the dressing room and storage closet at Hulen Mall American Eagle. On May 26, 2016, twenty-seven-year-old Carter Carol Cervantez was found guilty of capital murder. A Friday. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! She admitted to not locking the back door the night of the theft. The fire had been extinguished by then. Surveillance cameras caught her wiping down the bottle after drinking from it in order to remove any traces of DNA. All were missing. It was evident to us that Carter was the mastermind behind this and I think David was the muscle. Assuming that there may be a fire in Ashleas apartment he dialed 911. Another store employee watched the video and agreed with Ashlea based on the suspects physical appearance. He thought that somebody had collected Ashlea for work. There was a significant amount of blood around her body which indicated she had been beaten and her hands were bound with duct tape behind her back. Prosecutors showed video surveillance from Home Depot a week before Ashlea Harris was murdered. Cervantez received life in prison without the possibility of parole. reunited in Fort Worth and moved in together. The keyring also had the front gate key and store key on them. They believed that Carter and Clarencekilled Ashlea as they knew she had the keys for the safe and the plan was to take the keysand go to the American Eagle store to steal the tens of thousands of dollars they knew would be in the safe after Black Friday. The Black Infiniti G35 was searched by Officer J.J. In August 2016, Clarence David Mallory was found guilty of murder one after one hour of jury deliberation. He was able to determine that the fire had multiple points of origin. Cervantez was the assistant store manager who was to lock up the night of the theft. She was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole on May 26, 2016. The apartment belonged to 31-year-old Ashlea Harris who resided there with her dog, Nala. Police observed that she hadsuperficial scratches on her arms. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. He asked if she would be willing to go downtown to be interviewed and she agreed. He tried again a second and a third time but the smoke made it an impossible task. On December 4, arrest warrants were executed, and David was arrested at a private residence in Amarillo on December 5. Like Harris, Cervantez was an assistant manager. our Backup, Combined Opinion from Cravey fired Cervantez because she had left the store unsecured. Cervantes also received a sentence of life without parole at a. While Cervantes moved six hours away to Fort Worth, Mallory stayed in Amarillo. David received the same sentence on August 24, 2017. Mark Sedwick, a special agent with the FBI and a member of the Cellular Analysis Survey Team, testified as to the content of texts that had been sent at 11.52amon the 28th of November between Clarence's phoneandCarter's phone: Carter's phone-Hey, remember that thing you said I didnt clean well?Did you clean it? Police retraced Ashlea's movements. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas, Woman gets life for beating, binding, burning co-worker at Fort Worth mall in robbery plot, Woman arrested in killing of 3 children at Italy, Texas, home in Ellis County, Frisco Liberty battles back vs. Lubbock Cooper to claim UIL Class 5A state championship, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones defers comment on revival of sexual harassment lawsuit, What we know after 3 children killed, 2 wounded at Ellis County home, The Cowboys are closer than you think to a total makeover at running back, American Airlines, flight attendants file for mediation during contract negotiations, New Uptown office tower lands second major lease, Years after North Texas bid for Amazons second headquarters, retail giant halts plan, Mesquite to become the site of new 2,500-home community, North Texas builders see influx of activity in new year, but challenges persist, Mark Wahlberg pours tequila for fans at Dallas restaurant during thunderstorm, Dude Perfects trick-shot town could find a home in North Texas, or somewhere else, Slow start for Luka Doncic? The Prosecution believed that the original plan was to kidnap Ashlea using a pistol to threaten her and kill her at a different location but she put up a fight when they entered her apartment and they killed her there instead. A few minutes later, Patrick's. For that reason, the fire seemed like an afterthought to me, Fort Worth Police Detective Ernie Pate told Snapped.. Alexis left after4am. The Court also heardpolicefoundlatitude and longitude coordinates on the cell phones. 02-16-00224-CR. One neighbor, Steven Lee, told police that he had a cigarette on his balcony at around 6.30am that morning and saw a car parked outside. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He called 911 when his carbon monoxide detector wentoff and he realized there was a fire. It was the Prosecution's case that Carter and Clarencehad a couple of different reasons to want to harm Ashlea. Ashlea Ann Harris loved working in retail where she could meet new people every day. Harris' hands and feet were bound in duct tape,. Ashlea Harris was outgoing and personable while the other assistant store manager, Carter was more straight-laced and reserved. Police "developed probable cause" to make the arrests, according to a release. They went directly to the safe where the night deposits were kept, unlocked it, and took the cash inside. Fort Worth is located in north-central Texas. Ashlea Harris arrived home to her apartment around 3:25 am. He forced her to enter and rob American Eagle at gunpoint and threatened to kill her family if she didnt do what he asked. January 25, 2022, "The effects of abuse are devastating and far reaching. And in Fort Worth, career-driven Carter Carol Cervantez begins to rethink her priorities when she finds love at the workplace. | Articles At Carter's Trial, her Defense was that she was not involved in Ashlea's death. On Tax Free Weekend and Black Friday, those were our highest deposit days, said Groen. When he went to get her keys he was unable to locate them. Chicwanda Forbes has worked hard to make a life for herself in New Orleans, until an older man offers her the attention she craves in exchange for her loyalty. Police found burn marks on her body and she had been strangled and her throat wasslit. The man drove to Hulen Mall and when they got there, he dropped off Carter at the door and parked. Documents say the only thing missing from Harris' apartment were her keys, which contained the keys to the American Eagle store as well as the safe. One week later Cravey called Cervantez. Ashlea Harris looked to have severe head trauma. FWPD Fort Worth Police Department FORT WORTH Pictures of tools that could be used to pick locks, the front cover of the book Practical Lock. A coworker was slapped with life in prison for beating and burning to death a store manager on Black Friday so that he could take her store keys and steal $50,000. Detective Cedillo entered the mall looking for Cervantez but was unable to find her. He saw Cervantez exit the vehicle wearing and enter the mall. Police arrested him as he could not produce his driver's license when asked. | Recent Lawyer Listings Police spoke to all of Ashlea'sneighbors. When he left for work around 7:30 am the car was still there. Carter Carol Cervantez faces capital murder charges in connection with the death of Ashlea Harris. Carter Carol Cervantez is a 33 year-old who was listed as being under the supervision of the department of corrections in Christina Melton Crain Unit Prison, Texas. She was blamed as the mastermind behind the murder plot by prosecutors. It is up to the rest of us to take an even harder look at who is minding our children. This was most likely a lighter and the accelerant was rubbing alcohol. It was a black Infiniti G35. He was also fired per store policy. It was the proceeds from the sales during the recently concludedTexas Sales Tax Holiday Weekend in August. She admitted that she tried to access the American Eagle store but claimed she only did so because Clarence threatened to kill her if she didn't . She told the Court that she left Ashlea's apartment after 4am the morning of the 28th of November and that when she left, Ashlea locked the door. However, they were never charged or arrested for allegedly committing the robbery. Though Mallory was arrested for driving without a license, he was also released from custody. Filed: By Detective Cedillo spoke to Chris Cravey, who was Ashleas boss at American Eagle, and asked if he knew anyone who drove a black Infinity. The Prosecution called Jeff Kayser to testify. One of the investigators alleged, It was evident to us that Carter was the mastermind behind this and I think David was the muscle. August 20, 2021, "Evil people always support each other; that is their chief strength.". Then he gathered up some belongings, moved his car away from the building, and waited for the fire department to arrive. She claims that Mallory drove her to the Hulen Mall not once, but twice. In reviewing the malls video surveillance Detective Cedillo saw Cervantez enter the mall wearing the same clothing he had seen her leave her apartment in. Chris told police that a former employee at American Eagle, Carter Carol Cervantez, drove a similar car. The Prosecutor,Kevin Rousseau,told the Jury: "There are no good murders. On November 29th search warrants were obtained for Cervantez and Mallorys apartment, the black Infinity, and Mallorys Cadillac. Update: A correction was. The State waived their right to seekthe death penalty and instead looked forlife in prison without parole. A woman was found guilty of capital murder Thursday for helping to beat, bind and set fire to another woman as part of a Black Friday robbery scheme in 2014. An older man offers Chicwanda Forbes the attention she craves in exchange for her loyalty. The two reunited in Fort Worth and moved in together. They told authorities Harris usually left her keys on the kitchen counter, and that her home and car keys were on the same keychain as the keys to the American Eagle store where she worked. Harris boss told investigators the car was similar to a vehicle owned by former American Eagle Outfitters employee Carter Cervantes. Mallory was found guilty along with his girlfriendCarter Carol Cervantez, 28, of killing the American Eagle store manager, who they both worked with, on Black Friday in 2014. In the meantime, Detective Pate, Cedillos partner, made contact with Mallory. Ashlea's ankles were also bound with duct tape. Her name was Carter Carol Cervantez. She raises three points on appeal: (1) the trial court erred by denying her counsel's motion to withdraw based on the State's failure to comply with the Michael Morton Act; (2) the trial court erred by admitting recorded statements of her . It was only at that point that Chris discovered that it was Carter who had hired Clarence and he found out that Clarence hadpreviously worked at an American Eagle store in Amarillo and was listed in the American Eagle system as non-rehireable." He testified that the presence of. Cervantez claims that Mallory dug the grave for her. And Ashlea discovered that Carter was the person due to lock up the night it was stolen and had left the back door open. Then they turned their sights on Harris, who held the store keys, for their plot to make off with tens of thousands of dollars. On the day after Thanksgiving known in the retail world as Black Friday Harris's. It had its lights off as it left the parking space in front of Ashleas apartment. Who Killed Her? The inside of the apartment and Ashlea's body led police to believe that the fire was not an accidental fire. Detective Cedillo drove there and he found a hole that had been dug that measuredsix feet long, two and a half feet wide, and three feet deep. Another apartment in the complex was on fire. Fired One week later Cravey called Cervantez. While they were let go initially, the investigators had search warrants for their apartment and car. David, 27, is incarcerated at the Jim Ferguson Unit in Midway, Texas. He took photos of the various items found in the car. ", by Chilling Crimes She recalls being raped multiple times by friends of Mallorys and being coerced into the robbery. Ashlea has suffered numerous injuries to her face and head indicating that there were multiple blows. A friend of hers, Alexis Torres came over. However, the police arrested David in the mall parking area after finding he carried no license, and officers went to their apartment and brought Carter in for questioning. Her name was Carter Carol Cervantez. Harris' hands and feet were bound in duct tape, reports CBS affiliate KHOU, which cites court documents filed by Fort Worth police. I think theres a fire upstairs in the apartment above me, the caller said in his 911 call, which was obtained by Snapped.. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Harris hands and feet were bound with duct tape, police said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The next day, Mallory drove her back to try again. He met his girlfriend Carter Cervantez there. Detective Jerry Cedillo with the Ft. Worth Police Department Homicide Unit arrived at 10:22 am. A bottle of it found near the body. When he realized it was Ashlea's apartment and when he observed her car was still parked outside, he ran upstairs and kicked her door down. Her lover, David, continued working at the Amarillo store but began to miss shifts regularly. Detective Cedillo radioed dispatch and asked them to send a marked patrol call to the mall. According to the show, Carter was recorded being very careful about leaving forensic evidence, even wiping a water bottle after drinking to remove her fingerprints. It showed Cervantez buying two shovels, a rope, bungee cords, gloves, and a tarp. Sign up to receive the Free Law Project newsletter with tips and announcements. Saturday Tarrant County Sheriffs arrested 25-year-old Carter Carol Cervantez. The two men, who were strangers to her, were invited into the apartment by Clarence and she was raped by both of them. Cheyenne Roundtree For Dailymail.com Rousseau added: 'Imagine the horror, someone is probably sitting on you while someone else is taping up your hands and then your ankles.

Female Physical Therapist In The Nfl, Elke And Steven Johnson Lucas, Gus Arrendale Net Worth 2020, Shango Characteristics, Working Line German Shepherd Breeders In Europe, Articles C