Crittenden County Jury Convicts Kansas Man of Murder, Sentences Him to Four Life Terms Plus 830 Years

MARION, Ark. — After a four-day trial, a Crittenden County jury found Ashton Wardlow, of Carbondale, Kansas, guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Ivori Harris, of West Memphis.

In addition to the murder conviction, the jury also found Wardlow guilty of 17 counts of terroristic act and determined that he used a firearm in committing the crimes. Following the verdict, jurors recommended a sentence of four consecutive life terms plus 830 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

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Circuit Judge Dan Ritchey presided over the trial and followed the jury’s sentencing recommendation in full.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Coe, who led the trial on behalf of the State of Arkansas.

“I want to thank Sgt. Chad Davis and the West Memphis Police Department for their tireless work and dedication to this case,” Coe said. “Their commitment and professionalism were instrumental in securing this verdict.

I also want to thank the family of Ivori Harris for their strength and courage throughout this process. 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.”

Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood added:

“This case is a powerful example of justice being served through the combined efforts of law enforcement, prosecutors, and our citizens,” Hagood said. “The jury’s verdict and sentence send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated in Crittenden County.

I am deeply grateful to Deputy Prosecutor Matthew Coe for his skill and dedication in presenting this case, to Judge Ritchey for his steady hand in presiding over the trial, and to the West Memphis Police Department for their outstanding investigative work. Most importantly, I thank the jurors whose careful deliberation ensured that justice was delivered for Ivori Harris and her family.”