Per the Lifetime true story ‘Left For Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story,’ Ashley appeared to have everything she desired, including a partner, a supportive family, and a bunch of friends.
On top of that, she was a brilliant student and a standout basketball player at her school. During this time, things were working smoothly for her until she fell for her tutor, Sam Shelton, who ended up ruining her life.
Sam used to teach her while she was in seventh grade and he was also a professional wrestler along with a gym trainer. The two reconnected again in February 2006, two months earlier she disappeared, according to sources.
Sam Shelton And Ashley Reeves Wedding Story
Samson Shelton and Ashley were about to get married and their wedding plans made everyone surprised about the age gap.
Meanwhile, they never got through with the ceremony and were at most dating for some time, making plans to take a step further soon.
In addition, upon Ashely’s disappearance, Sam, aka Samson, stated in an interview that her fascination with him was growing every day.
Additionally, Sam and Ashley’s tragedy is depicted in the Lifetime film ‘Left for Dead,’ in which we could see that the two were romantically involved.
In a way, Sam also claimed that he hugged her in the rear of his car to admit physical relationships. After Ashley’s pals stated that they were having a pleasant fling at the time, officials contacted him.
Shelton also expressed his dissatisfaction with his connection with Ashley. Although they were reportedly seeing each other, they never had a husband-wife tie.
Where Is Sam Shelton Now?
Even though Sam had testified all about his acts, he was still quickly released on bail and ordered to home arrest.
Shelton was charged with attempted battery for assaulting emergency personnel during a probable suicide attempt, but the charges were dropped in February 2010.
When given the opportunity, Sam refused to acknowledge the court or even apologize to his victim.
The gym coach got a 20-year term at Illinois’ Hill Correctional Center, and counting his years, he will be out in parole after 2024.
Sam Shelton Arrested On Murder Attempt Of Ashley Reeves
Shelton was accused of grooming and nearly murdering Ashley, breaking her neck, and abandoning her in the woods.
Conversely, he left Ashley gasping for air after burying her in the woods with rubbish and leaves.
One can observe Sam attempting to pull Ashley out of the car in the documentary ‘Left For Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story’ after it becomes evident that Ashley realizes they made mistakes by being physical.
Although the police’s suspicions were primarily focused on Ashley’s long-term boyfriend, they quickly learned that her absence could have been caused by Sam.
Why Did Sam Shelton Try To Kill Ashley Reeves?
During an interrogation with police, Sam Shelton claimed he wanted to end the relationship; however, Ashley disputed it when he was trying to get her out of the automobile.
To get Reeves out of the automobile, Shelton used a chokehold to break her neck. Then, he dragged her into the woods, assaulted her with his hands, and suffocated her with his belt.
He broke down and admitted it after a twelve-hour probe in which he changed his account numerous times.
Later, he led authorities to Ashley’s body, which was discovered barely 12 minutes away from her house in Citizens Park.
Ashley was found almost after thirty hours following her attack, terribly injured but luckily alive.