News Summary
Jared Chance has received a hefty prison sentence for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of Ashley Young, described as ‘a monster without any conscience’ by the judge. Young was killed after attempting to help Chance turn his life around, only to become his victim. The case, which highlights the dangers of trusting individuals with troubling pasts, continues to affect Young’s family as they seek justice and closure.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – A 30-year-old man, Jared Chance, has been sentenced to 100 to 200 years in prison for the murder and dismemberment of 31-year-old Ashley Young. The ruling was made by Judge Mark Trusock, who described Chance as “a monster without any conscience,” highlighting the severity of the crime as the worst he has encountered in his career.
Ashley Young was killed in November 2018 after reconnecting with Chance, a former friend. Before her death, Chance had broken into her apartment, stealing her medication and money, raising concerns from Young’s mother, Kristin Young. Despite these warning signs, Ashley attempted to help Chance turn his life around.
On November 28, 2018, Ashley was last seen leaving a pub with Chance, planning to sign a lease for a new apartment the following day. However, she failed to meet her mother, prompting a missing person investigation. Authorities later discovered Ashley’s torso wrapped in a tarp in Chance’s basement. Her head, hands, and feet have yet to be found.
Investigators uncovered incriminating evidence, including blood and human remains located within Chance’s apartment, confirming his role in the murder. Misleading Ashley’s family, Chance initially fabricated stories about her whereabouts, even suggesting she might have left with someone else. His deceptive actions contributed to the distressing complexity of the case.
Jared Chance has a history of troubling behavior and criminal activity, including previous arrests. Witness reports indicated that he had an unusual fascination with firearms and possessed knowledge of crime scene cleanup, raising further suspicions about his capability for such violence.
In an extension of the horrific crime, Chance’s parents were also held accountable. Barbra Chance received a conviction for perjury and being an accessory after the fact, while James Chance was similarly convicted for being an accessory. This familial involvement underscores the dark nature of the circumstances surrounding Ashley’s murder.
Ashley Young was not just a victim; she was a vibrant individual with ambitions. She was studying to become an interpreter and had recently ended a long-term relationship. In the wake of her disappearance, her family organized extensive search efforts, reaching out to friends and reviewing surveillance footage for leads.
Kristin Young remains steadfast in her pursuit of answers regarding the full recovery of her daughter’s remains and understanding the motive behind this tragic crime. The family is also featured in a new episode of “Body in a Basement” on Investigation Discovery, where they continue their quest for closure amidst the ongoing pain of their loss.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk behind seemingly friendly connections, and the importance of heeding warning signs when they arise. The tragic fate of Ashley Young, a loving daughter and aspiring professional, will leave a lasting impact on her family and the broader community.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: Mom Seeks Answers in Daughter’s Murder
- Holland Sentinel: Murder of Ashley Young Chronicled
- Oxygen: Parents Arrested in Ashley Young Murder
- Google Search: Ashley Young Murder
- MLive: Jared Chance Sentenced for Murder
- Wikipedia: Criminal Case
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
