Rebecca Ashing received her sentence on several charges relating to an incident in July of 2023, in which she stabbed her husband, being sentenced by District Court Judge Travis O’Gorman to serve 25-35 years in prison.
According to the Affidavit for Custody, Alliance Police Department officers responded to the 400 block of Potash Avenue on July 13, 2023, on the report of a male who had been stabbed. When officers arrived, they found a male who identified himself as Cody kneeling in the street and covered in blood. When asked who stabbed him, he told the officer that his wife, Rebecca Ashing was the one who stabbed him.
The Affidavit states that when Cody was transported to the hospital, they found a laceration on the left side of his neck and a stab wound to the left side of his chest.
“In the hospital Cody informed Sgt. (David) LaDuke, they were sitting on a couch in Cody’s living room when Ashing stood up and asked Cody for a hug,” the Affidavit stated. “Cody said he went to hug her and noticed she had her right hand hidden behind her back. Cody said at this point Ashing swung a knife at him and stabbed him in the left side of his neck. Cody said he immediately pushed Ashing away and ran outside. Cody said he called 911 and was standing outside near the garage of the residence when Ashing came outside and stabbed him again in the chest.”
According to the Affidavit, officers placed Ashing under arrest and read her Miranda rights. Ashing told officers, “I plead the 5th,” and was observed to have a laceration on one of her fingers.
On December 18, Ashing appeared before Judge O’Gorman in Box Butte County District Court to receive her sentence, with her attorney, Stacy Bach present by her side.
Travis Rodak, prosecuting attorney, told Judge O’Gorman that this was a premeditated attack on her husband, asking for a prison sentence for Ashing.
“I fear for his (Ashing’s husband’s) safety and the safety of others,” Rodak said.
Bach asked Judge O’Gorman to consider a term of intensive probation, one in which Ashing would seek further treatment for her mental health. Bach explained that Ashing has worked with her to create a safety plan.
“She’s on medication and she’s been in counseling this whole time,” said Bach. “She doesn’t hear the voices anymore. She’s willing to do in-patient treatment. Her family has stood behind her. She needs help.
Bach explained that Ashing, at the time of the stabbing, was influenced by true crime podcasts. Ashing, when asked if she had anything to say prior to sentencing, asked Judge O’Gorman for a second chance.
“Please have mercy on me,” Ashing said. “It was like the voices took over. I hope you give me a second chance. I want to prove I’m a good person.”
Judge O’Gorman, during sentencing, noted that Ashing does not have a long criminal record, but that the offenses were serious, describing how the stabbing took place.
“Based on all the evidence, this was a premeditated attempt at murder,” said Judge O’Gorman. “I do think there are mental health issues at play. This was premeditated and planned.”
Judge O’Gorman sentenced Ashing to serve 20-25 years for the charge of attempted first degree murder, a Class II Felony, with credit for 526 days served, 5-10 years for the charge of use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, a Class II Felony, both penalties to run consecutively, 2-4 years on the charge of first degree domestic assault, a Class IIA Felony, and one year on the fourth charge, second degree assault, a Class IIIA Felony, both penalties to run concurrently with the other two penalties.
Following the sentencing, the Alliance Police Department issued a press release praising the efforts of the officers, the Alliance Fire Department and the medical staff at Box Butte General Hospital in their response to the stabbing.
“Chief David Leavitt of the Alliance Police Department would like to recognize the officers involved for their hard work and dedication in this case, which resulted in a successful conviction, as well as the hard work and dedication brought forth from the Box Butte County Attorney’s office,” the release stated. “The Alliance Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the community, ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are held accountable.”