| Editor After missing several shifts, he was fired and barred from working at other American Eagle stores. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Greed and Hatred Uncovered in Ashlea Harris Murder, A First Look at the Murder of Ashlea Harris, Co-worker Describes Clarence David Mallory: He Seemed Genuine, She was the really cute, fun, outgoing person and so a lot of people were attracted to her, regardless of whether they were a boy or a girl, Ashleas best friend Stephanie Naylor told, Firefighters put out the blaze and found 31-year-old Harris dead on her bedroom floor. Chicwanda Forbes has worked hard to make a life for herself in New Orleans, until an older man offers her the attention she craves in exchange for her loyalty. The detectives talked to two American Eagle employees who had been locked out due to the locks being changed. They founda plastic tub that contained bungee cords and arope. He ruled out accidental causes for the reason for the fire and concluded that the fire was set on purpose. He was also found found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole, according to the Dallas Voice newspaper. The apartment belonged to 31-year-old Ashlea Harris who resided there with her dog, Nala. They found ample evidence in both places, including a gun used to pistolwhip Ashlea, receipts for a murder kit, including the duct tape used to bind her, and her blood on the floor mat of their vehicle. Cervantes was later located at her apartment and agreed to meet with detectives. He testified that he wokethat morning when he heardthe sound of the fire alarms. She was strangled, her throat cut, and ultimately asphyxiated. Carter Carol Cervantez v. The State of Texas Case Number: 02-16-00224-CR Judge: Mark T. Pittman Court: Court of Appeals Second Appellate District of Texas at Fort Worth Plaintiff's Attorney: Joseph W. Spence Defendant's Attorney: William H. "Bill" Ray Steven W. Conder Description: Inside he found 2 shovels and a box of plastic sheeting. At a minimum, this took at least a month of planning. (Fort Worth PD) Harris, who was a manager at the store, had. Video surveillance of the mall showed that at 2 am on Saturday morning someone tried to open the security gate at American Eagle. Documents say the only thing missing from Harris' apartment were her keys, which contained the keys to the American Eagle store as well as the safe. Then he heard a loud thump right above him as Ashleas bedroom was directly above his. This was different. But prosecutors said Cervantez planned the crime, which involved stealing Harris' keys to the American Eagle Outfitters store at Hulen Mall in Fort Worth so the couple could take the cash from the store. She was the one that you wanted to like you because if you got on her bad side there was no coming back from it. He testified that at around 7.30am on the 28th of November, he woke when heheard a loud scream. At 7:45 am he witnessed Cervantez and Mallory exit their apartment and get into the black Infinity. They found a lock in a kitchen drawer and a TASER box and some strands of duct tape in the trash. The Autopsy revealed that Ashleahad numerous injuries on her body including but not limited toa laceration on the right side of her scalp, on her cheek and the left side of her face and a patterned bruise on the right side of her face, a bruise between her eyes and around her left eye. He tried again a second and a third time but the smoke made it an impossible task. The couple were arrested this weekend Cervantez in Fort Worth and Mallory in Amarillo on warrants accusing them of capital murder for Harris's slaying and theft $1,500 to $20,000 for the. They found a lock in a kitchen drawer and a TASER box and some strands of duct tape in the trash. Cheyenne Roundtree For Dailymail.com Police argue that the couple beat Harris and then set her body on fire, taking the keys to the Hulen Mall American Eagle Outfitters store in order to steal up to $50,000 in profits from a Black Friday sale. The State waived their right to seekthe death penalty and instead looked forlife in prison without parole. This was most likely a lighter and the accelerant was rubbing alcohol. When she was unable to get in the store the first time she walked back to the car. Carter was a former employee at the American Eagle store where Ashlea worked but she was fired in August. Dr Richard Fries, a deputy medical examiner at the Tarrant County Medical. Police have said they believe that Cervantez, 27, and Clarence David Mallory, 21, beat and bound Harris and then set her body on fire to steal her keys . Jeff Kayser to testify. Though the theft remained an open case with the Fort Worth Police Department, American Eagle believed it had enough evidence to fire Cervantes and Mallory. They are not hiding in shadows. She was inside getting some paperwork she needed to complete. There was a cut on the right side of Ashlea's neck which was caused by a knife and bruises and abrasions on her neck, chest and right arm. The district manager decided to give Cervantez a fresh start. While they were let go initially, the investigators had search warrants for their apartment and car. Video from American Eagle picks her up approaching the gate. The Court heard the two of them returned to the mall at 8am and at that point, were being followed by the police, unbeknownst to them. Rousseau added: 'Imagine the horror, someone is probably sitting on you while someone else is taping up your hands and then your ankles. A neighbor told police that he had heard a thump and screaming from the apartment, the police affidavit said. He was also a former employee at the same American Eagle store where Ashlea worked and he was Carter's boyfriend. But surveillance video confirmed she was not being truthful and it showed her leaving the mall and walking towards her home. Carter Carol Cervantez faces capital murder charges in connection with the death of Ashlea Harris. Clarence David Mallory (age 19) had previously worked for American Eagle at their Amarillo location. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. She told the Court she did not kill Ashlea and played no part in her death. She was blamed as the mastermind behind the murder plot by prosecutors. Clarence Mallory Jr. and Carter Cervantez are accused of murdering Ashlea Harris after she left her job late at night at a mall in Fort Worth. our Backup, Combined Opinion from The Jury heard that a. t 6.56am,Alexishad a missed call from Ashlea and when she noticed it, Another neighbor, Patrick Sweet, also testified. 23:46 GMT 24 Aug 2017 A key belonging to another assistant store manager was left in the night deposit box. BestsellerThe Barista Express grinds, foams milk, and produces the silkiest espresso at the perfect temperature. January 17, 2022 Ashlea suspended Carter and one week later, Chris called Carter and told herthat she had beenterminated for leaving the store unsecured. Steven W. Conder. It was a latenight due to Black Friday sales and Alexis looked after Ashlea's dog Nala while Ashlea was working. It was a direct violation of the company policy, and she started facing flak for her relationship with a subordinate. Cervantez asked to speak to the regional manager about her firing, but in the end, handed over her store keys. Dr. Richard Fries, deputy M.E. Jeff was a neighbor and friend of Ashlea's. Prosecutors laid out a case that Cervantez wanted revenge and payback for getting fired. Cravey fired Cervantez because she had left the store unsecured. On November 29th search warrants were obtained for Cervantez and Mallorys apartment, the black Infinity, and Mallorys Cadillac. The surveillance video from the front of the American Eagle store showed that at around 2amonthe 29th of November, someone with a covered face knelt down next to the lock on the gate and attempted to unlock and raise the gate.They were unsuccessful as the locks had been changed. Police conducted a second search of the apartment on December 4th and found a key in the kitchen trash can. Our district manager basically gave her the option to quit or to get transferred. Carter chose to get a transfer and was shifted to a store in the Hulen Mall in Fort Worth, Texas. But at least there are some you can understand. This case has not yet been cited in our system. Communication between Mallory and Cervantez led police to a shallow hole in a town more than a hundred miles away. Another neighbor, Patrick Sweet, also testified. The police also analyzed their mobile phones to find they had exchanged texts planning the murder and methods of disposing of the corpse. FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - A woman charged in connection to the death of a former co-worker who was beaten, bound, strangled and set afire has been found guilty. Chris was in the parking lot and had been talking to Alexis Torres, who was the last person to talk to Ashlea Harris. Posted on May 27, 2016. | Store January 25, 2022, "The effects of abuse are devastating and far reaching. A Friday. It didn't last long. Fort Worth Police Detective Jerry Cedillo was staking out the apartment on the morning of November 29 when he saw Cervantes and Mallory get in her car and drive to the Hulen Mall. He followed them as Mallory drove to the Hulen Mall. It was then he saw a body. Cervantez received life in prison without the possibility of parole. | Advertising She told the Court that she left Ashlea's apartment after 4am the morning of the 28th of November and that when she left, Ashlea locked the door. Cervantezs 21 year-old boyfriend Clarence David Mallory has also been charged. Prosecutors for the case showed surveillance video of Cervantez buying shovels and other gear on November 21st, with the intention of digging a grave for Harris. Another store employee watched the video and agreed with Ashlea based on the suspects physical appearance. She admitted to not locking the back door the night of the theft. This was done while Chris Cravey was out on medical leave. Carter Carol Cervantez appeals from her jury conviction for capital murder and automatic life sentence. I became interested in this case after listening to Dateline Podcast from November 29, 2019 episode entitled Black Friday. I had some questions that werent answered on the show and thought Id see what I could find. Police have charged Carter Cervantez, 25, and her boyfriend Clarence "David" Mallory, 19, with capital murder in the death of Ashlea Harris, 31. Both Mallory and Cervantez are questioned and released despite both being caught lying and contradicting each other. Ashlea Harris was outgoing and personable while the other assistant store manager, Carter was more straight-laced and reserved. 27-year-old old Carter Carol Cervantez is on trial for capital murder in the killing of Ashlea Ann Harris, whose body was found on November 28, 2014. They were scheduled to make a deposit that morning of the proceeds from the Black Friday sales. Police retraced Ashlea's movements. The trial for the horrific murder of an American Eagle employee on Black Friday began this week in Fort Worth, TX. The scream was followed by a loud thud and hecould hear labored breathing. Theyare in our work places, our friendship groups and sometimes even our homes. Her lover, David, continued working at the Amarillo store but began to miss shifts regularly. In May 2016, 27-year-old Carter Carol Cervantes was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole, according to The Dallas Morning News. She is described by the store manager, Chris Cravey, as being a phenomenal employee who was loved by everyone.. Carter Carol Cervantez is on trial this week on a capital murder charge in the slaying of Ashlea Ann Harris, 31, on Nov. 28, 2014, the day after Thanksgiving, known commercially as Black Friday. Police "developed probable cause" to make the arrests, according to a release. Fired One week later Cravey called Cervantez. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Surveillance footage from the Hulen Mall captured Cervantes trying to break into the American Eagle store on the morning of November 29 with Harris stolen keys, unaware that the locks had been changed. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Cervantes and Mallorys apartment and found a shopping receipt from November 21 for shovels, gloves, duct tape, rope, and a tarp. She testified at her own Trial and told the Court that she was afraid of Clarence. This Record may not reflect actual, complete, or up-to-date data. Ashlea Harris looked to have severe head trauma. They went directly to the safe where the night deposits were kept, unlocked it, and took the cash inside. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Take out all the trash andleave that. When she tried to call her back Ashlea didnt pick up. They were arrested and charged with capital murder, according to the Reuters news service. She claims that Mallory drove her to the Hulen Mall not once, but twice. Please enter valid email address to continue. By Investigators determined the fire started in Harris bedroom and that rubbing alcohol had been used as an accelerant, despite its low flammability. Officers found Mallory waiting in Cervantes car in the Hulen Mall parking lot and took him into custody. There was a significant amount of blood around her body which indicated she had been beaten and her hands were bound with duct tape behind her back. He took photos of the various items found in the car. Blood was found on the floor mats of Cervantes car. At the police station, police observed that he was wearing a ski mask. Carter was a former employee at the American Eagle store where Ashlea worked but she was fired in August. | Privacy Statement. Police could not find Cervantez inside the mall but found her later in the laundry room at her apartment; surveillance video confirmed she had walked the two miles home. In the parking lot was a black two-door infiniti like the one seen at the crime scene. Cervantes helped Mallory falsify documents so she could hire him at the Hulen Mall location where she worked with Harris. The investigators hypothesized setting the residence on fire had been an abrupt change of plans. He called 911 when his carbon monoxide detector wentoff and he realized there was a fire. The Court heard testimony from Steven Lee. She raises three points on appeal: (1) the trial court erred by denying her counsel's motion to withdraw based on the State's failure to comply with the Michael Morton Act; (2) the trial court erred by admitting recorded statements of her . Harris friends told investigators that she had been working around the clock in anticipation of the Black Friday sales event which started that morning. Joyce Marshall jlmarshall@star-telegram.com FORT WORTH. I didnt touch it. He was also fired per store policy. Unsure of her career path, Harris began working in retail in her early 20s. Detective Cedillo went back to Cervantez apartment and found her in the laundry room this time wearing pink scrubs. It was a black Infiniti G35 with a faded toll sticker on its roof. It showed Cervantez buying two shovels, a rope, bungee cords, gloves, and a tarp. She enters the mall at 7:56 am on November 29th. Carter Carol Cervantez, 25, was taken into custody by Tarrant County Sheriffs on Saturday. Jeff, Wallace E. Hood Jr., an arson investigator, told the Court that, multiple origins of the fire, including in the bed, on Ashleas body, and in the closet. Alexis usually watched Ashleas dog Nala when she worked. Chicwanda Forbes; Carter Cervantez: With Iyana A. Campbell, Jordan Clifford, Herbert Lee Frazier III, Reginald Garner. She told Chris police were asking about an Infiniti G35. He heard a scream at around 7.30am. In addition, we got Ashleas DNA on this gun that was in Carter Cervantes car, said Kevin Rousseau. The inside of the apartment and Ashlea's body led police to believe that the fire was not an accidental fire. CourtListener is sponsored by the non-profit Free Law Project. Clarence David Mallory, 22, was sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars in the death of Ashlea Ann Harris, 31, in a Fort Worth, Texas, courtroom on Thursday. She bends down to unlock it but is unable to. One week later Cravey called Cervantez. He was arrested for not having his driver's license on him. Police searched the black Infiniti G35 and found a plastic bag inside a black trash bag, a sharpening stone for a knife, a nine-millimeter cartridge, a cellphone, a walkie talkie and a Buck knife with a sheath. Nobody knew for certain whether Ashlea was inside or not. So what was the motive for such a savage attack? He testified that when he entered the apartment, itwas full of smoke and water was spraying from the sprinkler system. It was their case that they wanted her keys to steal the money from the store but also that they wanted revenge after they held Ashlea responsible for them losing their jobs. Police spoke to all of Ashlea'sneighbors. Her feet and hands were bound with duct tape and she was covered in blood, according to Texas. Detective Cedillo drove there and he found a hole that had been dug that measuredsix feet long, two and a half feet wide, and three feet deep. One neighbor, Steven Lee, told police that he had a cigarette on his balcony at around 6.30am that morning and saw a car parked outside. The couple had been fired from the American Eagle store at the Hulen Mall after being suspected of stealing nearly $18,000 from the store's safe in August 2014. Chris told police that a former employee at American Eagle, Carter Carol Cervantez, drove a similar car. Harris' hands and feet were bound in duct tape, reports CBS affiliate KHOU, which cites court documents filed by Fort Worth police. Wallace E. Hood Jr., an arson investigator, told the Court thathe locatedmultiple origins of the fire, including in the bed, on Ashleas body, and in the closet. The apartment was filled with smoke. She was later found in her apartment complex. He testified that he wokethat morning when he heardthe sound of the fire alarms. They believed that Carter and Clarencekilled Ashlea as they knew she had the keys for the safe and the plan was to take the keysand go to the American Eagle store to steal the tens of thousands of dollars they knew would be in the safe after Black Friday. Fort Worth Police arrested two suspects in the November 28 murder of Ashlea Harris. Harris was an assistant manager at the store. But Tarrant County prosecutor Kevin Rousseau told the jury that Cervantez was the one who tried to control Mallory, whose trial is pending. He determined that Ashlea'scause of death was asphyxia and blunt force trauma to the head and neck. He testified that when he entered the apartment, it, was full of smoke and water was spraying from the sprinkler system. When Detective Cedillo follows up with a manager who happened to be in that morning at Aeropostale, he told police that Carter Cervantez did not work there. Police asked Mallory to see his drivers license which he told them he did not have on him. After that, she went to work. Powered by Shopify. She then walks to American Eagle and goes out of view. According to local news reports,the opening manager discovered $17,850.32 had been stolen from the safe. The Autopsy revealed that Ashleahad numerous injuries on her body including but not limited to, Dr Fries testified that the injuries on Ashlea's face were caused by multiple blows. He asked if she would be willing to go downtown to be interviewed and she agreed. I need to take care ofthat. Dr Fries testified that the injuries on Ashlea's face were caused by multiple blows. A friend of hers, Alexis Torres came over. They were caught within days after several witnesses identified their vehicle to be present at the crime scene and supplied the police with a strong motive for them to commit the homicide. Fort Worth Police Detective Jerry Cedillo was staking out the apartment on the morning of November 29 when he saw Cervantes and Mallory get in her car and drive to the Hulen Mall. They both pleaded not guilty. . At that point, the firefighters had arrived. Clarence David Mallory, 22, would meet a similar fate in August 2017. He requested that they stop the black Infinity if they witnessed any type of traffic violation. A medical examiner found blunt force trauma to her face and head and trauma related to strangulation on her neck and throat, according to the Amarillo Globe-News. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts. Forth Worth was originally settled in 1849 as a US Army outpost to protect pioneers settling out west. The neighbor attempted several times to get into Ashleas apartment but was forced out each time due to the heavy smoke. 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