Ashton Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping and Death in Utah

ST. GEORGE, UT – The grim details of a 2010 kidnapping and murder case have reached a conclusion as Paul Ashton, 34, pleaded guilty to kidnapping resulting in death and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during the crime. The plea was entered on Monday afternoon in federal court in St. George.

Ashton, who waived an indictment, faced two counts of felony information unsealed during court proceedings. He admitted transporting victim Bradley Eitner from Utah to Arizona, where he was tragically killed. Eitner, 43 at the time of his death, was found with blunt force head trauma and a single gunshot wound.

In the plea agreement, Ashton confessed that after abducting Eitner from his St. George home, he slammed Eitner’s head against the truck door and tailgate. He also revealed plans to kill Eitner with a rock and shovel but ultimately struck him with a rock before driving to another location, where an accomplice shot him twice.

Prosecutors have agreed to recommend life in prison for the kidnapping resulting in death charge and 10 years for the firearm count, to be served consecutively. A sentencing date is yet to be scheduled.

The investigation was led by the FBI, and the case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.