Investigation into Teacher’s Death

An investigation by police into the death earlier this month of an Alvarado teacher has found that the woman was allegedly killed by her husband just hours after he was released from jail.

Police believe Chelsea Spillers, 33, was strangled to death on Oct. 18, according to an arrest-warrant affidavit by Alvarado officers.

Spillers’ husband, Brandon Ashley, has been arrested in connection with her death. As of Monday, Ashley remained at the Johnson County jail after being booked on murder and interference with public duties charges. He is being held on a $1.01 million bond, jail records show.

Before Spillers’ death, court records show the couple had been the subject of prior encounters with police, a fact echoed by witnesses who had suggested domestic violence was occurring in their household.

Events Leading Up to the Death

The day before his wife’s death, Ashley was arrested on Oct. 17 when police responded to the couple’s home in the 200 block of Magnolia Street for a domestic disturbance, according to court records.

Police noted in the affidavit that Ashley had threatened to shoot himself with a gun once officers arrived. The responding officers were able to convince Ashley to drop the gun before he was arrested and booked into the Johnson County jail for interference with public duties.

He was released from jail the next morning, records show.

At about 5 p.m. that Saturday, Alvarado police were called to the couple’s home by a concerned friend requesting a welfare check.

The friend had contacted police and said they were concerned for Spillers’ safety as no one had been able to reach her, according to the court records.

Discovery of the Body

The friend had spoken with Ashley’s sister, who said Ashley had messaged her and claimed his wife was dead and also threatened to kill his son, according to the affidavit.

When officers arrived at the home, police said in the affidavit that no one answered the door.

After forcing their way inside, police said in the affidavit that they found Spillers dead in the den from possible strangulation. Police said blood was also found at the den’s doorway and on the floor.

According to the suspect’s sister, her brother told her Spillers attempted to shoot him while they were in the home, police said in the affidavit. As the couple started to fight, Spillers had a seizure, then fell and hit her head.

The husband’s story was contradicted by the condition his wife’s body was found in, police said in the affidavit.

Investigation and Arrest

As police searched for Ashley, arrest warrants were drafted, and officers were contacted by the Alvarado Independent School District police chief.

Spillers has worked at Alvarado ISD as a science teacher since 2022, according to Tommy Brown, a spokesperson for the district.

The chief said on the morning of Spillers’ death, a co-worker of hers received sexually explicit messages from her, according to the affidavit. In an interview with officers, the teacher denied any romantic relationship with Spillers, police said in the affidavit.

After viewing the texts, police learned that Ashley had actually sent the messages. Officers confirmed the number belonged to Ashley by using it to ping his location, according to the affidavit.

Ashley was arrested on Oct. 20 in Grimes County after deputies said they received several calls about a suspicious man, later identified as Ashley.

He was found at a convenience store in Bedias after the black Cadillac Escalade he was in was reported on private property near CR 115, Grimes County deputies said in a news release.

The man was detained by deputies at about 10:12 a.m. Deputies later learned that Ashley was wanted out of Johnson County in connection with his wife’s homicide.

Domestic Violence and Support

Spillers’ co-worker also revealed the last time the two spoke, Spillers announced she planned to resign and asked her co-worker for advice on how to tell the school administration.

When officers asked Spillers’ co-worker if they suspected domestic violence, they mentioned an instance when she came to work with a black eye. Spillers told her co-worker that she had slipped on a wet bathroom floor and struck her face on the bathtub, according to the affidavit.

The Dallas-based Genesis Women’s Shelter’s helpline is answered by call and by text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for confidential, free help at 214-946-HELP (4357). The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers free, confidential support 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233, text “START” to 88788 or visit thehotline.org.

Conclusion

The investigation into Chelsea Spillers’ death is ongoing, and her husband, Brandon Ashley, remains in jail on murder and interference with public duties charges. The case highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support to those affected by it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Chelsea Spillers?

A: Chelsea Spillers, a 33-year-old teacher, was found dead in her home on Oct. 18. Police believe she was strangled to death by her husband, Brandon Ashley.

Q: Who is Brandon Ashley?

A: Brandon Ashley is Chelsea Spillers’ husband. He was arrested on Oct. 20 in connection with her death and is being held on a $1.01 million bond.

Q: What were the events leading up to Chelsea Spillers’ death?

A: The day before her death, Brandon Ashley was arrested for a domestic disturbance and was released from jail the next morning. Later that day, police found Chelsea Spillers dead in her home after a concerned friend requested a welfare check.

Q: Where can I get help if I or someone I know is experiencing domestic violence?

A: The Dallas-based Genesis Women’s Shelter’s helpline is available 24/7 at 214-946-HELP (4357), and the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 or by texting “START” to 88788.