Oneida County Sheriff Grady Hartmann called a press conference Wednesday afternoon. He revealed little new information but confirmed some of the facts that exist in the deaths of an Oneida County husband and wife. Seventeen year old Ashlee Martinson is being held in Boone County, Indiana, as the only suspect in the alleged murder of her mother, 40-year old Jennifer Ayers, and Martinson’s 37-year old stepfather, Thomas Ayers.
Hartmann read from a prepared statement, saying that “while the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office and the Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Office understand this case is of interest to the community, they are also aware there are many issues that need to be taken into account when releasing information.” He continued by saying that releasing any further information at this time may compromise the case and hinder Martinson’s right to a fair trial.
Martinson appeared in Boone County Court March 10 and asked for an extradition hearing, which will take place April 8. The Oneida County District Attorney’s Office is preparing the Governor’s Warrant. After it is approved in Wisconsin, it will be forwarded to the Indiana Governor’s office for approval.
That same day, Martinson’s traveling companion, Ryan Sisco, waived extradition allowing for his transport back to Wisconsin. He is not believed to be involved with the deaths, but is being held for a patrol violation.
Oneida County deputies were dispatched to the Ayers home in the town of Piehl Sunday morning, March 8 following a 911 call from a minor female child. Officers found the bodies of Jennifer and Thomas Ayers. Three minor children were found unharmed and are currently in the care and custody of Oneida County Social Services
The press conference concluded with Hartmann asking the public to allow authorities to do their jobs. “The attention of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Office needs to be on the completion of this investigation so that the victims, the minor children, and the families of the victims can attempt to move forward with their lives knowing the justice system has done its part to hold the perpetrator of this crime accountable. Please allow us to give them the justice they deserve.