BENSALEM, Pennsylvania – A tragic incident has rocked the community of Bensalem, as a teenager has been sentenced to 15 to 40 years in prison for the shooting death of a 12-year-old girl. Ash Cooper, formerly known as Joshua, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in the case of Morgan Connors, which took place in November 2022 at the Top of the Ridge Trailer Park.
During a chilling video chat on Instagram, Cooper reportedly displayed the victim’s blood-covered body to a female acquaintance and even asked for help in disposing of it. Thankfully, the acquaintance alerted her mother, who promptly contacted the authorities, leading to Cooper’s arrest.
According to an affidavit, Cooper confessed to the police, expressing remorse for what he described as an accident. He acknowledged that he would face the consequences and spend the rest of his life in jail. Additionally, he made a disturbing claim during an interview with his mother and law enforcement, stating that he had been involved in a sexual relationship with the victim at some point.
Neighbors of the suspect expressed shock at the incident, with one resident mentioning that he had planned to invite Cooper over for dinner before the tragic events unfolded. The sequence of events leading up to the shooting revealed that Cooper had been handling guns and ammunition from his father’s safe prior to the victim’s arrival at his residence.
The tragic outcome was determined by the coroner’s office to be caused by a gunshot wound to the neck and upper chest of the young victim. Police also noted the presence of evidence suggesting an attempted cleanup of the crime scene, indicating a deliberate effort to conceal the heinous act.
The sentencing of Cooper reflects the gravity of the crime committed, as the community continues to grapple with the loss of a young life and the disturbing circumstances surrounding her death. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of senseless violence and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals in society.