Woman to serve 50 years in prison for Jackson County poisoning
A woman was sentenced to 50 years in prison Tuesday after being convicted of plotting to kill her stepfather in Jackson County.
According to Jackson County Prosecutor Lynsey N. Fleetwood, Ashley Jones has been sentenced for her role in the poisoning death of her stepfather, Harold Allen in 2022.
Harold Allen died in December of 2022 after being poisoned with ethylene glycol. The investigation into Jones and her mother Marsha Allen uncovered evidence that the two had plotted together to poison the man. Evidence suggested that the pair tried using toxin from dried Pong Pong seeds and hemlock in poisoning attempts of his food and drinks before ordering the ethylene glycol off the internet. Jones confessed to deputies that Marsha Allen mixed the ethylene glycol into a root beer float served to Harold Allen.
The prosecutor’s office says that Marsha Allen killed herself prior to being charged with the murder of her husband.
In August, Jones pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Attempted Murder (Aiding, Inducing, or Causing). On Tuesday, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Richard Poynter imposed the maximum 50-year sentence.
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Press Release
Jackson County Prosecutor Lynsey N. Fleetwood announced today that Ashley Jones has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for her role in the murder of her stepfather, Harold Allen, a resident of Jackson County.
The case began on September 19, 2023, when law enforcement responded to a reported burglary at the home of Marsha Allen, widow of Harold Allen, on State Road 135 in Jackson County near Freetown. During the burglary investigation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department detectives uncovered evidence linking Marsha and her daughter, Ashley Jones, to the poisoning death of Harold Allen.
Thousands of text messages between the two women detailed their plan. On October 17, 2023, Jones confessed to Jackson County Sheriff Deputies, Lt. Adam Nicholson and Det. Clint Burcham, that she purchased ethylene glycol, which her mother, Marsha, then used to poison Harold by mixing the chemical into a root beer float.
Marsha Allen committed suicide prior to being charged with the murder of her husband.
On August 7, 2025, Jones pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Attempted Murder (Aiding, Inducing, or Causing). The agreement set a sentencing range between 45–50 years. Today, Judge Richard Poynter of the Jackson County Circuit Court, imposed the maximum 50-year sentence.
Prosecutor Fleetwood stated: “This was a calculated and heinous crime carried out against an innocent man, who was deeply loved by many in this community. Harold’s brother, Matthew, described him as his protector, biggest supporter, and guiding light, a man with a generous and giving spirit. Throughout this case, I have had the privilege of speaking with Harold’s family, and it is clear their love for him is deep. Justice has been served with today’s sentence, and my prayer is that this outcome provides some measure of closure to Harold’s family. I commend the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department for their tireless efforts in bringing this sad truth to light. This conviction would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication. My office remains committed to working alongside law enforcement to ensure that all offenders are held fully accountable.”
Sheriff Rick Meyer stated: “The collaboration between the Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office has been nothing short of tremendous, and it stands as a strong example of dedication to public safety in Jackson County.”
Matthew Allen (Harold’s brother) stated in the Sentencing Hearing: “My family and I would like to thank all of the law enforcement officers and prosecutors for their countless hours and hard work to get us where we are today. Your time and efforts are a testament to my brother’s life and have meant more than we can ever show.”
Samantha Allen (Harold’s sister-in-law) stated: “Our family is grateful for the commitment and hard work of the prosecution team and the many law enforcement officers involved in this case. Nothing can give us back the time we lost with Harold, but with the conclusion of sentencing, we choose to move forward focusing on his life and our memories, and not on the cruelty and greed that led to his death.”
Hannah Allen (Harold’s sister-in-law) stated in the Sentencing Hearing: “I would also like to express my deep gratitude for everyone that has played a role in this case. Without your dedication, hard work and sense of justice we wouldn’t be here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for working so diligently to bring some sort of justice for Peanut.”