GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The trial is now underway for Jared Chance, the Grand Rapids man accused of murdering and dismembering the body of 31-year-old Ashley Young of Oshtemo.
The jury is seated and Young’s family and friends have filled the courtroom as they prepare for the first day of testimony.
Witnesses that have already taken the stand include Ashley’s mother Kristine Young, Mario Nelson, the neighbor that lived in the same duplex as Jared Chance, Grand Rapids officers that were called to the scene, and forensic technicians.
It was a tearful testimony on Tuesday when Ashley’s mother took to the stand. She explained how she was texting back and forth with Chance when Ashley went missing last November and his story just didn’t add up.
Over 200 pieces of evidence are expected to be shown during the course of the trial.
However, Defense Attorney Andrew Rodenhouse argues that the investigation was done in haste and there is zero evidence that Chance killed Young.
Chance’s brother, Konrad Chance, is expected to testify Wednesday morning.
30-year-old Chance rejected a plea offer earlier this week that would have given him a shot at a shorter sentence in the hopes that he will be found not guilty in the murder and dismemberment case.
Parts of Young’s body were discovered in the basement of Chance’s southeast Grand Rapids apartment on Franklin Street near Dolbee Avenue back on December 2nd 2018.
Now Chance is charged with second-degree murder, mutilation of a body, concealing a death, and three counts of tampering with evidence as a habitual offender which could mean a minimum of 27 to 87 years in prison and up to life as a maximum.
The prosecution will show disturbing evidence to try to convince the jury while the judge explained that some remains are still missing.
Prosecutors are seeking a second-degree murder conviction instead of open murder due to the missing parts.
