Ashley Young, 31, vanished after a night out with Jared Chance.
The tragic details of her case quickly captured widespread attention.
Just days after her mysterious disappearance, her dismembered remains were discovered in Chance's apartment.
Ashley Young was a vibrant and ambitious woman known for her warm personality and love for life.
She had recently moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she was pursuing her studies.
Friends and family described her as someone who brought joy to those around her.
On November 29, 2018, Ashley was set to meet her mother to sign a new lease for her apartment, marking an exciting new chapter in her life.
However, on the night before this important meeting, Ashley texted her mother saying she was “almost to her destination,” but did not specify where she was headed.
Sadly, this would be the last communication her family would receive from her.
When Ashley didn’t show up the next day, her mother grew concerned, leading the family to take swift action to find their beloved daughter.
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Ashley Young |
A Night Out: The Incident Unfolds
On the evening of November 28, 2018, Ashley met Jared Chance at Mulligan’s Pub in Grand Rapids.
Surveillance footage from the bar showed them together.
Ashley appeared very happy and carefree as she laughed and enjoyed her time.
However, after leaving the bar, Ashley vanished without a trace.
Jared Chance later claimed that they parted ways after their night out.
This statement raised suspicions among investigators as they began piecing together the timeline of events leading up to Ashley's disappearance.
Early efforts by law enforcement were hindered by a lack of evidence pointing to foul play.
Despite these challenges, Ashley's family remained focused on finding answers.
Unraveling the Mystery: Investigation and Arrest
As days passed without any sign of Ashley, police began to investigate Jared Chance more closely.
Surveillance footage revealed that he left Mulligan’s Pub shortly after Ashley did.
This led detectives to scrutinize his movements further.
They discovered a video from a nearby store showing Chance purchasing ammonia and alcohol shortly after their departure from the bar.
On December 1, 2018, the investigation into Ashley's disappearance led authorities to Jared Chance's apartment in Grand Rapids.
A neighbor had reported a foul smell coming from the basement.
Upon investigating, the neighbor found a bloody tarp, which prompted them to alert the police.
When law enforcement arrived, they found Ashley's dismembered torso, arms, and legs hidden within the tarp and other containers in Chance's apartment.
The scene was described as horrific.
There was bloodstains throughout the apartment indicating an attempt to clean up after the crime.
Investigators also found spent shell casings and evidence that suggested a violent struggle had taken place.
Despite the grim findings, Ashley's head, hands, and feet remain missing to this day.
Jared Chance has refused to disclose their whereabouts, leaving her family without closure regarding the full recovery of her remains.
The absence of these parts also complicated forensic analysis.
Authorities could not determine her exact cause of death or ascertain how exactly she was killed.
Jared Chance was arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including second-degree murder and mutilation of a body.
In addition to Jared’s actions, phone records indicated movements toward his parents’ home in Holland, Michigan.
This detail raised questions about whether they were involved in any way.
Eventually, both Jared’s parents were arrested as well for their roles in obstructing justice.
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Ashley Young and her mother |
Seeking Justice: The Legal Proceedings
The trial against Jared Chance was highly publicized and emotionally charged.
In October 2019, he was found guilty of second-degree murder and mutilation of a dead body.
The jury heard testimonies detailing the gruesome nature of Ashley's death and dismemberment.
During sentencing in June 2020, Jared Chance received a sentence ranging from 100 to 200 years in prison.
This outcome provided some measure of closure for Ashley's grieving family.
Ashley’s mother expressed profound sorrow over the loss of her daughter but also relief that justice had been served.
She stated, “I never thought anyone could bring that much pain to so many people.”
The community rallied around Ashley's family during this difficult time, showing support for their fight for justice.
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Ashley Young's mother addressing Jared Chance in court |
While justice has been served with Jared Chance's conviction and sentencing, the emotional scars left on Ashley's family and friends will last forever.
Her legacy lives on through those who loved her and continue to advocate for safety and awareness regarding violence against women.
The pursuit of justice does not end with a conviction; it continues with ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.
In a separate incident, a nanny sexually assaulted an 11-year-old boy in her care, resulting in her giving birth to his child in the boy's home.
Citations:
[1] https://www.oxygen.com/final-moments/crime-news/jared-chance-parents-arrested-ashley-young-murder-dismemberment
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRQ2yioO6zc
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