ST. GEORGE, UT – A shocking case of kidnapping and firearm charge has come to an end with a life-changing sentence. Paul Ashton, 34, of St. George, Utah, was sentenced to life plus 10 years in federal court for his role in the kidnapping and death of Bradley Eitner.
The crime took place on October 31, 2010, when Eitner, 43, was kidnapped by Ashton and transported from Utah to Arizona. Ashton admitted to aiding and abetting in the kidnapping and use of a firearm during the crime.
The victim’s body was discovered on March 11, 2011, and an autopsy revealed that the cause of death was blunt force head trauma and a single penetrating gunshot wound. The manner of death was homicide.
As part of his plea agreement, federal prosecutors recommended the mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison for the kidnapping resulting in death count and 10 years for the firearm count. The 10-year penalty for the firearm count was to be served consecutive to the life sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigated by the FBI. U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart imposed the sentence on Tuesday morning.
Paul Ashton’s actions have left a lasting impact on the community, and his sentence serves as a reminder of the severity of such crimes. The family and friends of Bradley Eitner will never forget the loss they suffered, and Ashton’s sentence brings some closure to this tragic case.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Paul Ashton, 34, of St. George, Utah
- Criminal Charges: Kidnapping, Discharging a Firearm in Connection with the Kidnapping
- City and State: St. George, Utah
- Date: May 2024 (plea agreement), October 31, 2010 (kidnapping)
- Sentence: Life plus 10 years
Related Federal Cases
- Paul Ashton, Kidnapping Resulting in Death, Utah 2010 · Utah
- Paul Ashton, Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Discharging a Firearm During a Crime, Utah 2010 · Illinois
- Angelo Mark Garcia, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Utah 2026 · New Mexico
- Utah 2013: Rise in Property Crime Amid National Trends · Florida
- Roscoe Peter Begay, Kidnapping, Arizona 2017 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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