Model Convicted in Brutal Murder Denied Parole, Faces Prison Hardships
Ashley Esselborn, who gained notoriety after a past modeling appearance, will continue serving her eight-year sentence for a 2022 fatal beating.
Ashley Esselborn, a 25-year-old model previously featured on 'Lethally Blonde,' has been denied parole for the second time and will continue her eight-year prison sentence for her role in the 2022 murder of Zachary Wood. The Wichita Falls, Texas, native was convicted for her part in the brutal beating death of Wood, 23, who was allegedly killed because assailants believed he had stolen drugs and money.
Esselborn has reportedly experienced a significant physical transformation during her incarceration. Records from her 2022 arrest indicated a weight of 135 pounds, while a court appearance in 2023 showed she had gained weight to 185 pounds. This physical change has been noted as a stark contrast to her appearance prior to her arrest.
The decision to deny parole was handed down recently, with authorities deeming her too dangerous for release. The court documents referenced by the Daily Mail stated that her appeals for freedom were again rejected last month. Esselborn has repeatedly sought her release since her conviction.
The incident that led to Esselborn's conviction occurred in May 2022. Zachary Wood was beaten to death with a baseball bat. The motive, as reported, stemmed from the assailants' belief that Wood had stolen from them. Esselborn's sentence of eight years reflects her culpability in the fatal assault.