Ashley Gray, a mother accused of helping her son cover up his involvement in a deadly shooting, appeared in court on Wednesday. Her bond was set at over $100,000, and if she posts it, she’ll be on house arrest for 24 hours. This development comes after Gray was arrested at her River Ridge home on Monday, December 9, on charges of being an accessory after the fact to second-degree murder.
Gray is also required to enroll in a pre-trial diversion program. According to court records, she might have to return to court in early February.
The charges stem from a shooting that took place during the 26th annual Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club second line parade on November 17. An arrest warrant revealed details from an iCloud message history showing that Gray and her son, Curtis J. Gray, were both at the parade. However, they weren’t together during the time of the shooting.
Cell phone records placed Ashley Gray near Almonaster Avenue and North Tonti Street, while Curtis Gray was near the crime scene. After the shooting, Ashley reportedly sent her son a text encouraging him to change his phone number and adding, “you was with us anyway the [whole] time,” suggesting an effort to create a false alibi.
Curtis Gray, who was arrested on December 6, faces two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of 21-year-old Rasean “Turtle” Carter and 19-year-old Malachi “Pumpkin” Jackson. Investigators believe the gun Curtis allegedly used belonged to his mother. When questioned, Ashley claimed her gun had been stolen months earlier, though she didn’t report the theft and paid to repair her car windows without involving her insurance.
Detectives said both Ashley and Curtis gave the same alibi during questioning, which raised suspicions of collusion.
At a press conference, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams addressed the case, stating, “I fully expect this mother to face additional charges beyond what she’s currently booked with. She chose to get involved despite clear warnings to stay out of it.”
Authorities are still investigating the case and are urging anyone with more information to contact NOPD Homicide detectives at 504-658-5300.
