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A Missouri man was convicted of shooting and killing his wife after he learned she was packing her bags to leave after a fight.
Missouri Attorney General Katherine Hannaway announced in Press release Thursday, May 21, Ryan Alexander was found guilty by a Henry County jury of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with his wife’s death. Ashton SchoutenIt’s been nearly four years since she was shot.
The tragic incident occurred on August 27, 2022, when the couple got into an argument at home. The attorney general said the pair had a “strained relationship due to the defendant’s controlling nature and belief that Ashton was engaging in an extramarital affair”.
Alexander, 30, left his home after the fight appeared to be over, went to a liquor store to buy beer, and returned to the residence “a short time later.” When he arrived at the home, he “found Ashton had packed bags for himself and his one-year-old twin boys and placed them near the front door.”
He then pulled out a handgun and shot Schouten, 28, in the head, according to the attorney general. Scotton fell to the ground, but Alexander stood over her and continued shooting, “shooting the rest of the magazine into her head.”
Alexander then called 911, claiming he shot Schouten in self-defense.
“Today’s guilty verdict reflects the tireless efforts of our attorneys and team,” Hanaway said in a statement about the conviction, according to the release. “My office remains deeply committed to accountability and public safety. We will continue to put violent criminals behind bars and keep Missouri communities safe.”
Henry County Prosecutor LaClisa Gray It added that the jury took only a “very short” amount of time to deliberate before finding Alexander guilty.
“My office is proud to be assisted by the Attorney General’s Office. Together we secured this conviction and brought justice to Ashton Alexander, her children and the community,” Gray continued. “We thank the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence and all law enforcement officers involved in this case.”
Alexander has not yet been sentenced, and authorities said a sentencing hearing “will be scheduled at a later date.”
According to her, Schouten has “been working as a physical therapist since the age of 16,” is “certified through the Rewalk program,” and is “certified through the Kansas City International Bartending School.” obituary.
The obituary also said she had a “passionate love of animals.”
Shuton is survived by her twin sons, parents and seven siblings.