17th Judicial DA

Girlfriend Convicted of Murder and Conspiracy for Her Role in 2020 Death of Boyfriend in Adams County


January 28, 2025

Brighton, CO – District Attorney Brian Mason announced today the conviction of Ashley White, 29, following a three-week trial in Adams County District Court. White was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Murder, and Robbery in connection with the 2020 death of her boyfriend, Cody DeLisa, 28, in Adams County.  

In the months leading up to the murder, White and DeLisa had a volatile and strained relationship. DeLisa often criticized White for her struggles in securing full-time employment, which contributed to tension between the two. White expressed resentment, even writing in her diary that she regretted ever meeting DeLisa. Her frustration escalated after an incident in which she attempted to drown and burn DeLisa’s cat, a behavior that raised alarms about her mental well-being. 

On August 13, 2020, White attended a job interview in Denver. A neighbor drove her to the interview, and she returned home by bus, texting DeLisa about her experience. During their exchange, DeLisa expressed skepticism about her chances of getting the job, which upset White. 

While on the bus, White met a man who introduced himself as "Scott." Scott asked if she was in a relationship with a man and whether he raped her. White responded that he had, and Scott then said they must kill him. 

White and Scott exited the bus some distance from White’s home, where they spent time together and fired Scott’s gun. They walked to White’s residence, where Scott introduced himself to DeLisa as White’s brother from Texas. A short time later, DeLisa was shot twice in the head. His body was discovered the following day during a welfare check. 

White and Scott stole DeLisa’s wallet before leaving the home. They spent the next few days in the area before Scott departed, and White never saw him again. White was later identified as a suspect and spoke with investigators, providing a detailed account of the events that led to DeLisa’s death. She was subsequently arrested and charged. 

Three years after the shooting, a woman identified as the girlfriend of Michael Stratton contacted the District Attorney’s Office, stating she believed her boyfriend was the man responsible for killing DeLisa. Her description of Stratton’s confession matched White’s account of the crime. Stratton, who was already in custody for a separate murder of a man in Pueblo that occurred after DeLisa’s death, has been deemed incompetent to stand trial in that case. He has not been charged in connection with DeLisa’s murder in Adams County. 

The trial against Ashley White began on January 6, 2025, and after nearly three weeks of testimony, the jury found her guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Murder, and Robbery. 

“This was a tragic and senseless murder and Ashley White bears significant culpability for it,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “Her callous actions led to the victim’s death and now she will pay a significant price. I thank the jury, who endured three weeks of difficult testimony before reaching their verdict, as well as our law enforcement partners and my team at the DA’s Office for their diligent, hard work seeking justice in this case.” 

Ashley White is scheduled for sentencing before Adams County District Court Judge Jeffrey Ruff on April 4, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Division F. 

Assistant District Attorney Jess Redman led the prosecution of this case. 

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District Attorney Mason assumed the oath of office on January 12, 2021. The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office endeavors to seek justice on behalf of the citizens of Adams and Broomfield counties in felony and misdemeanor cases. DA Mason and his staff are dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system to better serve the citizens of the 17th Judicial District.

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