Ashley Averett, 32, from Fountain, Florida, was arrested this week for the murder of her boyfriend, Joseph Eiler, 38, after confessing to shooting him while he slept. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office detailed how she allegedly dismembered his body and buried remains in their yard following an argument on March 12, 2026.
Incident Timeline
Eiler was reported missing on March 14 after failing to show up for work, last seen early March 12 amid a heard argument. His father later reported gunshots, Averett burning items, excessive cleaning, and odd changes like missing sheets and a relocated firearm.
Investigation and Confession
On March 16, Averett initially claimed Eiler left with a friend after a fight, but a witness said she admitted shooting him. She confessed to detectives about the two shots, cleanup efforts, dismemberment, and burial, leading to a search warrant that uncovered remains in freshly dug soil.
Charges
Averett faces one count of first-degree murder and is held in Bay County Jail without bond; authorities took her into custody peacefully.
