Digest

This episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae delves into the heartbreaking case of Ashley Doolittle, an 18-year-old who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Tanner Flores, after she broke up with him. The episode highlights the dangers of breakup violence, particularly in teenage relationships, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking help. Ashley was a vibrant young woman with a passion for horses and a bright future ahead of her. She was involved in the rodeo community, 4-H, and FFA, and was planning to attend Colorado State University to study agriculture business. However, her life was tragically cut short by Flores's jealousy and controlling behavior. The episode details the events leading up to Ashley's murder, including Flores's attempts to manipulate and control her after the breakup. It also discusses the investigation and trial, which ultimately resulted in Flores being found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The episode concludes with a discussion about the Ashley Doolittle Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Ashley's parents to raise awareness about teen dating violence and provide support to victims. The foundation aims to educate teens and parents about the warning signs of toxic relationships and empower them to seek help. The episode also provides a list of warning signs to look out for in relationships and resources for those seeking help.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the topic of the episode, which is the murder of Ashley Doolittle, an 18-year-old victim of breakup violence. Kendall Rae expresses her surprise at not having heard of this case before, given its local nature in Colorado. She also emphasizes the importance of discussing breakup violence, especially in teenage relationships, and how education can be crucial in preventing such tragedies.

00:03:07

Ashley Doolittle: A Life Cut Short

This Chapter delves into Ashley's life, highlighting her passion for horseback riding, her involvement in the rodeo community, and her aspirations for the future. Ashley was a talented equestrian, a member of the Boulder County 4-H Horse Program, and a founding member of the Thompson Valley FFA chapter. She was planning to attend Colorado State University to major in agriculture business and had a bright future ahead of her.

00:08:29

The Relationship with Tanner Flores

This Chapter focuses on Ashley's relationship with Tanner Flores, her ex-boyfriend who ultimately took her life. The episode reveals that Tanner was controlling and jealous, dictating Ashley's actions and exhibiting signs of insecurity. Ashley eventually broke up with him, but Tanner struggled to accept the end of their relationship.

00:14:32

The Events Leading to Ashley's Murder

This Chapter details the events leading up to Ashley's murder. Tanner's jealousy and possessiveness escalated after the breakup, culminating in a confrontation where he accused Ashley of cheating on him. Despite her repeated attempts to make it clear that they were over, Tanner continued to pursue her and ultimately took her life.

00:18:05

The Investigation and Trial

This Chapter recounts the investigation and trial of Tanner Flores. Ashley's parents reported her missing after she failed to return home, and authorities quickly focused on Tanner as a suspect. Evidence was found at Tanner's deceased grandfather's property, leading to his arrest. During the trial, Tanner initially attempted to shift blame onto Ashley, claiming she shot herself, but eventually confessed to the murder. He was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

00:39:05

The Ashley Doolittle Foundation

This Chapter introduces the Ashley Doolittle Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Ashley's parents to raise awareness about teen dating violence and provide support to victims. The foundation aims to educate teens and parents about the warning signs of toxic relationships and empower them to seek help. The episode includes an interview with Ashley's parents, who discuss the importance of open communication and recognizing signs of control in relationships.

00:43:20

Warning Signs and Resources

This Chapter provides a list of warning signs to look out for in relationships, including insults, intimidation, extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, isolation from friends and family, and physical violence. The episode also emphasizes the importance of speaking up if you have concerns about someone in a toxic relationship and provides resources for those seeking help.

00:47:49

Ashley's Legacy

This Chapter highlights the various ways in which Ashley's legacy is being honored. The episode mentions a horse show held in her honor, her posthumous crowning as the Boulder County Fair and rodeo queen, and the Ashley Doolittle Princess Program, which she designed to educate younger generations about the rodeo royalty court.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was Ashley Doolittle's passion and what were her aspirations for the future?

  Ashley Doolittle was passionate about horseback riding and was involved in the rodeo community, 4-H, and FFA. She was planning to attend Colorado State University to major in agriculture business and had a bright future ahead of her.

• What were some of the warning signs of Tanner Flores's controlling behavior?

  Tanner Flores exhibited controlling behavior by dictating Ashley's actions, expressing extreme jealousy, and trying to isolate her from her friends and family. He also tried to prevent her from going to parties at college, which is a common part of the college experience.

• What steps can be taken to prevent teen dating violence?

  To prevent teen dating violence, it is important to educate teens and parents about the warning signs of toxic relationships, encourage open communication, and provide resources for victims to seek help. The Ashley Doolittle Foundation is one organization working to raise awareness and provide support.

• What are some of the warning signs of a toxic relationship?

  Warning signs of a toxic relationship include insults, intimidation, extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, isolation from friends and family, unwanted sexual contact, explosive temper, monitoring social media activities, invasions of privacy, and physical violence.

• What are some tips for breaking up with someone safely if you are concerned about their reaction?

  If you are concerned about someone's reaction to a breakup, it is recommended to break up with them in a public place, alert other people about your plans, and avoid seeing them again after the breakup. It is also important to seek help from trusted friends, family members, or professionals if you are feeling unsafe.

• What is the Ashley Doolittle Foundation and what is its mission?

  The Ashley Doolittle Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Ashley Doolittle's parents to raise awareness about teen dating violence and provide support to victims. The foundation aims to educate teens and parents about the warning signs of toxic relationships, empower them to seek help, and preserve Ashley's legacy.

• What are some of the ways in which Ashley's legacy is being honored?

  Ashley's legacy is being honored through a horse show held in her honor, her posthumous crowning as the Boulder County Fair and rodeo queen, and the Ashley Doolittle Princess Program, which she designed to educate younger generations about the rodeo royalty court.

• What is the importance of discussing breakup violence and teen dating violence?

  Discussing breakup violence and teen dating violence is crucial to raising awareness, educating young people about the warning signs of toxic relationships, and providing support to victims. Open communication and access to resources can help prevent tragedies and empower individuals to seek help.

• What is the message that Ashley's parents want to convey through the Ashley Doolittle Foundation?

  Ashley's parents want to convey the message that teen dating violence is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. They hope that by raising awareness and providing support, they can prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families.

• What is the significance of the number of people who attended Ashley's funeral?

  The large number of people who attended Ashley's funeral is a testament to the impact she had on her community. It highlights the love and support she received from her friends, family, and community members, and underscores the tragedy of her loss.

Show Notes