Bizarre reason woman gave for murdering her boyfriend

A 29-year-old woman was found guilty of killing her boyfriend because of a “sceptical” text exchange following a job interview.

A woman has been found guilty of murdering her boyfriend, who was fatally shot twice in the head after he “expressed scepticism” about her ability to find a job.

Ashley White, 29, from Colorado, was convicted of second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, and robbery in connection with the death of her partner, Shelby “Cody” DeLisa, in August 2020.

Prosecutors described White’s relationship with DeLisa as “volatile and strained” in the months leading up to the murder, according to a press release from the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Mr DeLisa frequently criticised White for her struggles in securing full-time employment, which contributed to ongoing tension between the couple.

White had “expressed resentment”, even writing in her diary that she regretted ever meeting Mr DeLisa.

“Her frustration escalated after an incident in which she attempted to drown and burn Mr DeLisa’s cat, a behaviour that raised concerns about her mental well-being,” prosecutors stated.

Ashley White, 29, was found guilty of murdering her boyfriend after he expressed skepticism over her job prospects. Picture: Adams County Sheriff's Office

The day of the killing

The couple’s relationship took a fatal turn on August 13, after White returned home from a job interview in Denver.

While on the bus home, she messaged Mr DeLisa about the interview and he expressed scepticism about her chances of getting the job, which upset White.

While on the bus, White struck up a conversation with a complete stranger who introduced himself as “Scott.”

“Scott asked if she was in a relationship with a man and whether he had raped her,” the press release explained.

White responded that he had, and Scott suggested they “must” kill him.

The two got off the bus and walked some distance to White’s home, during which time they fired Scott’s gun.

Once at White’s home, Scott told Mr DeLisa that he was White’s brother from Texas.

A short time later, Mr DeLisa was shot twice in the head and robbed of his wallet.

His body was discovered during a welfare check the following day.

White and Scott spent a few days in the area together before Scott moved on, and they never saw each other again.

White was later identified as a suspect, and when interrogated by investigators, she gave a detailed account of the events leading up to Mr DeLisa’s murder.

Shelby "Cody" Delisa was killed by White after she returned home from a job interview. Picture: ABplace Funeral

Who is “Scott”?

Three years after the murder, a woman came forward claiming that her boyfriend, Michael Stratton, who was in custody for another man’s killing, might have been “Scott.”

“Her description of Stratton’s confession matched White’s account of the crime,” prosecutors said.

Stratton was deemed unfit to stand trial in the other murder case and has not been charged in connection with Mr DeLisa’s murder.

Shelby “Cody” DeLisa. The District Attorney called her actions tragic and senseless. Picture: ABplace Funeral

“Tragic and senseless”

White is scheduled for sentencing on April 4.

“This was a tragic and senseless murder and Ashley White bears significant culpability for it,” District Attorney Brian Mason said.

“Her callous actions led to the victim’s death and now she will pay a significant price.”

Originally published as Bizarre reason woman gave for murdering her boyfriend