Keene, Texas – Ashley Marmolejo is now facing a murder charge for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a Sonic Drive-In employee by her 12-year-old nephew. Originally charged with manslaughter, court records have revealed the upgrade in charges following the incident that took place on May 14, 2023.
According to the Johnson County District Attorney, Marmolejo confessed to providing the firearm used by her nephew in the shooting that resulted in the death of Matthew Davis at the Sonic Drive-In in Keene. The tragic event unfolded after an altercation between Davis and the boy’s uncle, who had been confronted by Davis for urinating in the parking lot. Despite Marmolejo’s intention that her nephew only intended to scare Davis with the gun, he ended up fatally shooting the employee.
The victim’s mother, Leigh Miller, expressed her immense grief and determination to seek justice for her son. Miller emphasized the need for accountability, stating that Marmolejo had been unjustly charged with manslaughter instead of murder, and she found some solace in the murder charge upgrade in Johnson County, Texas.
Arrested by Venus police officers on behalf of Keene Detectives, Marmolejo was taken into custody on February 5 and placed in the Johnson County jail without bail. A trial has been scheduled for July, providing a legal avenue for further proceedings in the case. The community awaits the trial as they seek closure and justice for the tragic loss of a beloved son and employee.