Background: News footage of Brandon Davis as his murder trial began (WCPO). Inset: Asiah Slone (Middletown Division of Police).
An Ohio man who murdered a woman he claimed to consider a “sister” was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty by a jury.
Brandon Davis, aged 46, allegedly orchestrated the murder of Asiah Slone, aged 35. Slone had previously been in a relationship with Davis’ father, which ended in a turbulent manner. In June 2024, Slone was reported missing by her brother. Several weeks later, on July 1, 2024, her decomposing body was discovered in a trash can in Middletown, Ohio by her best friend.
Two individuals were taken into custody regarding the homicide — Davis and Perry Hart, aged 59. Prosecutors claim that Davis instructed Hart to complete the act he initiated by shooting Slone in the head while she was asleep.
According to court proceedings, on June 7, 2024, Davis allegedly shot Slone while she was in bed, but the first shot did not end her life. In a harrowing turn of events, with Slone still alive after the initial gunshot, Davis allegedly ordered Hart to take her downstairs to silence her. Following Davis’ command, Hart carried Slone to the basement where he fatally shot her in the head a second time.
Prosecutors said that Davis asked Hart while holding a gun to his head, “Are you with me or are you against me?”
Hart previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and kidnapping and served as a key witness against Davis. As part of his plea agreement, he had four felony counts of aggravated murder, murder, and illegal weapons possession dropped. DNA evidence from the murder weapon connected him to Slone’s death.
During her testimony, Slone’s best friend Casey Kilgore, who found her remains in the trash can, called Davis a “monster.”
After the trial concluded, Davis was found guilty of aggravated murder, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and illegal firearms possession by a jury who deliberated for less than five hours.
Davis maintained his innocence, telling the judge in court, “I had nothing to do with the murder of Asiah Slone. She truly was my sister.” His attorney stated that Davis planned to appeal his conviction. He was sentenced by a judge to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 44 1/2 years plus 10 years for being a violent repeat offender and another 4 1/2 years for the gun charges.
Hart’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 31.
Love true crime? Sign up for our newsletter, The Law&Crime Docket, to get the latest real-life crime stories delivered right to your inbox.
