Grand Rapids, Michigan is a city on the Grand River, known for its Midwest charm and creative energy. This city is where 31-year-old Ashley Young was building a new life studying in college, working at a call center, and about to move into her very first apartment. Bubbly, optimistic and full of life, Ashley was ready for a fresh start after a recent breakup. But the day she was supposed to sign her new lease… she never showed up. Her mother, Kristine, knew something was wrong. For three long days, Kristine and Ashley’s stepmother, Dana, searched every corner of Grand Rapids for any sign of Ashley. Then they learned the last person Ashley was seen with was Jared Chance, an old friend of hers. Determined to confront him, they went to his apartment only to be met by police. Hours earlier, a 911 call had led officers to a horrifying discovery in the basement of Jared’s home. This discovery led to heart break for Ashley’s family and friends. Jared even appeared to have help concealing his evil actions by his own parents, one of which was a retired officer. This case raises a question for many. How far would you be willing to go to protect a loved one?

Sources:

“The Gruesome Case of Ashley Young: Murdered and Dismembered by a Friend” by Twisted Crimes with Chris and Heather on Medium on September 18, 2025 (https://medium.com/@christophermcandrew/the-gruesome-case-of-ashley-young-murdered-and-dismembered-by-a-friend-5ae817e25a0c)

“Mothers Seek Closure in Kalamazoo Woman's "Horrific" 2018 Murder, Dismemberment” by Jax Miller on Oxygen True Crime on October 30, 2023 (https://www.oxygen.com/final-moments/crime-news/jared-chance-parents-arrested-ashley-young-murder-dismemberment)

“Friends say Victim was ‘Sunshine in Your Life’” by John Tunison in The Grand Rapids Press on December 11, 2018

“Mom seeks answers in daughter's 2018 murder in episode of 'Body in the Basement'” by Lauren Baker on ABC 13 News on September 23, 2025 (https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/mom-seeks-answers-daughters-2018-murder-episode-body-basement/69-5e8a2d53-27c6-4876-94e5-8e9a7b4f122a)

“Retired Cop, Wife, Jailed after Mutilation” by John Agar in The Grand Rapids Press on December 13, 2018

“Case of Michigan woman dismembered, murdered by Jared Chance featured on true crime show” by Bradley Massman on MLive on September 24, 2025 (https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2025/09/case-of-michigan-woman-dismembered-murdered-by-jared-chance-featured-on-true-crime-show.html)

Former Rock Island Police Sergeant Charged” in The Quad-City Times on December 14, 2018

“Ashley Young murder saga featured on TV documentary” by Matt Jaworowski on WoodTV on September 24, 2025 (https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/ashley-young-murder-saga-featured-on-tv-documentary/)

“Can’t Find Her” on A Body in the Basement Season 2, Episode 6 on Discovery+

https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForAshleyYoung/