West Memphis, AR – An Arkansas man has been sentenced to four consecutive life sentences plus more than 830 additional years in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, whom he shot more than a hundred times after sending a series of chilling text messages. Prosecutors said 27-year-old Ashton Wardlow ambushed 23-year-old Ivori Harris in West Memphis after years of violence and threats.
The Incident: A Deadly Ambush Following Chilling Text Messages
The murder occurred on June 29, 2024, when Ivori Harris was found dead inside her vehicle on Wilson Road in West Memphis, a city bordering Tennessee. Authorities said Wardlow fired 117 bullets into her car, causing it to crash into a nearby home and nearly strike the homeowner.
Moments before the ambush, Wardlow sent a series of chilling text messages to his ex-girlfriend, including, “I know you’re not home,” “Goodbye,” and finally, “I’m officially done with you.”
According to police, these texts were sent just minutes before the fatal attack.
Harris was sitting inside her car when Wardlow approached and unleashed a barrage of gunfire, ending her life instantly. The hocking level of violence left investigators stunned and the community reeling.
Investigation and Evidence: Texts, Surveillance, and a Pattern of Abuse
The West Memphis Police Department led the investigation, uncovering a disturbing history between the two. Detectives learned that Wardlow and Harris had been in a tumultuous six-year relationship marked by domestic violence, stalking, and threats of harm.
Witnesses, including Harris’s best friend, told investigators that Harris had been trying to leave the abusive relationship in the months leading up to her death.
Evidence presented at trial included surveillance footage showing Wardlow’s car circling Harris’s neighborhood shortly before the shooting. Video captured him parking beside her vehicle and approaching on foot moments before the shots were fired.
Investigators also recovered the threatening text messages from Wardlow’s phone, which prosecutors used to demonstrate premeditation and intent to kill.
After the murder, Wardlow fled to Carbondale, Kansas, where he was eventually arrested by Osage County Sheriff’s deputies and extradited back to Arkansas to face trial.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
A Crittenden County jury found Wardlow guilty of first-degree murder and 17 counts of terroristic acts, each enhanced by firearm usage. 2nd Judicial Division Circuit Judge Dan Ritchey presided over the case, sentencing Wardlow to four consecutive life terms, followed by an additional 830 years in state prison.
Prosecutors said the punishment reflects both the brutality of the crime and Wardlow’s ongoing danger to the public.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Coe commended the work of law enforcement:
“Their commitment and professionalism were instrumental in securing this verdict,” Coe said. “This verdict ensures that Ashton Wardlow will never see the outside of a prison again, and I hope it brings some measure of peace to those who loved Ivori.”
Family and Community Reaction
Harris’s family expressed relief that justice was finally served after enduring the painful trial. Prosecutors said they showed “extraordinary courage and strength” in sharing the impact of Ivori’s death during sentencing.
The West Memphis Police Department received praise for its meticulous investigation, which involved forensic analysis, digital evidence retrieval, and witness testimony to piece together the events leading up to the ambush.
Community members have since called attention to the broader issue of domestic violence, noting that Harris had reportedly attempted to distance herself from Wardlow multiple times. Advocates have emphasized the need for early intervention and protective resources for individuals in abusive relationships.
Background Context: A Pattern of Domestic Violence
Court records revealed that Wardlow had a history of violent behavior toward Harris, including repeated stalking and threats. Prosecutors argued that his escalating aggression culminated in the deadly ambush.
Experts say this case underscores the lethal consequences of unresolved domestic violence, particularly when warning signs—such as threats and stalking—are ignored or minimized.
Arkansas continues to experience one of the highest rates of intimate partner homicides in the United States, prompting renewed calls for stronger prevention efforts and victim protection programs.
Ongoing Developments and Aftermath
With Wardlow now serving multiple life terms, prosecutors have said they hope the sentence sends a clear message about accountability in domestic violence cases. The Crittenden County Prosecutor’s Office also praised the collaborative efforts of Sgt. Chad Davis and the West Memphis Police Department in bringing closure to the case.
Wardlow will serve life without the possibility of parole, ensuring he remains behind bars for the rest of his life.
Conclusion
The murder of Ivori Harris serves as a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of domestic abuse. While her killer will never walk free again, her family continues to honor her memory and advocate for stronger protections for victims of intimate partner violence across Arkansas.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case and the issue of domestic violence? Share your opinions in the comments below.
