A 32-year-old woman from Florida, Ashley Otero Averett, has been arrested and charged with first-degree premeditated murder in connection to the death of her 38-year-old boyfriend, Joseph Martin Eiler.
Averett was taken into custody on Tuesday, and she is currently being held without bond in the Bay County Jail while authorities continue their investigation.
The Missing Persons Investigation and Suspicious Activity
The investigation began on March 14, when Eiler’s father reported his son missing. The father had not seen his son since the early hours of March 12 and became increasingly concerned after Eiler failed to show up for work.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the father told deputies that on the morning of March 12, he overheard an argument between Averett and Eiler at their shared home on Creek Haven Road in Fountain, Florida.
He also reported hearing his son “cry out” and witnessed him washing his face, claiming that Averett had struck him with a flashlight. Shortly after the altercation, the father heard what he believed to be gunshots.
Averett’s Inconsistent Story and Suspicious Behavior
When deputies arrived at the home, Averett allegedly claimed that after their argument, Eiler left with an unknown friend. This explanation did not sit well with law enforcement, especially as the father continued to report suspicious behavior by Averett.
On March 16, the father contacted authorities again, mentioning that Averett had lit a fire in the firepit and asked how to dispose of ashes. Upon further investigation, the father said he found what appeared to be trigger locks in the ashes.
Additionally, when he was finally allowed to enter the home, he noticed removed bedding, multiple cycles of laundry being washed, fresh dirt in the yard, and a firearm visible on top of a safe.
Confession and Details of the Murder
Before authorities returned to question Averett, a family member informed deputies that Averett had confessed to the murder. The affidavit indicates that the family member said Averett had admitted to shooting Eiler while he was asleep and later attempting to dismember his body in the bathtub.
Averett allegedly placed the body parts in a gray tote and buried them in multiple areas of the yard.
In a post-Miranda interview, Averett reportedly confessed to killing Eiler during an ongoing argument. According to the affidavit, she admitted to shooting him twice in the back with a .380-caliber pistol, and after his death, she attempted to dismember his limbs using a hatchet and knife.
Averett also allegedly stated that she later buried the body parts in the yard and tried to clean up the crime scene by purchasing various cleaning supplies from multiple stores.
Authorities Discover Human Remains in Yard
Following the confession, deputies executed a search warrant at the residence. They discovered human remains buried in freshly disturbed soil in the yard, consistent with the details provided during the investigation. Notably, Averett had spray-painted “Joe I love you” on a storage box located near where the remains were recovered.
Averett’s Current Status and Investigation Updates
As of now, Ashley Otero Averett remains in the Bay County Jail without bond. The investigation into the murder and the circumstances surrounding Eiler’s death is ongoing.
It is unclear when Averett will next appear in court, but authorities continue to monitor the situation. No further information has been provided about the children living in the home at the time of the incident.
