Ashley Otero Averett, 32, faces first-degree premeditated murder charges in Florida for allegedly shooting her boyfriend Joseph Martin Eiler, 38, while he slept, then dismembering and burying his body.
Incident Overview
The case surfaced as a missing person report on March 14, 2026, after Eiler’s father—who lived nearby—heard an early morning argument on March 12, including cries, a flashlight strike, and possible gunshots. Averett claimed Eiler left with a friend post-argument, but suspicions grew over her burning items, repeated laundry, fresh yard dirt, and questions about ash disposal.
Confession and Evidence
Family intervened to protect two young children in the home (one Eiler’s), relaying Averett’s admission of shooting Eiler twice in the back with a .380 pistol amid an ongoing dispute, attempting to sever limbs in the bathtub with a hatchet and knife, and burying parts in a gray tote across the yard. She confessed post-Miranda to buying cleaners to erase evidence and even spray-painting “Joe I love you” on a storage box over remains.
Arrest and Status
Deputies found human remains in freshly dug yard spots matching her description. Averett, held without bond in Bay County Jail, awaits her next court date. Authorities emphasize the family’s role was child protection, not aiding her.
