Episode 42: MURDERED: Ariel Allison - Kingman, AZ

A Nineteen-year-old with bright plans for her future, a close-knit family she fiercely protected, a life just beginning to unfold, and an act of domestic violence that left her family shattered, and raised painful questions about how many warning signs were ignored.

Episode Summary

Ariel Jade Allison was born on July 25, 1990, in Kingman, Arizona, to Jennifer and Shawn Allison. Jennifer was just 16 when Ariel was born. A few years later, tragedy struck when Ariel’s father was killed in a car accident, leaving Jennifer to raise two young daughters on her own. Ariel grew into a bright, ambitious young woman with a big smile and an even bigger heart. She was bubbly, organized, and deeply loyal to her family. Friends and loved ones described her as the glue that held everyone together. She participated in gymnastics and cheerleading, worked long hours at Sonic, and had clear goals for her future. She never missed birthdays or holidays and stayed closely connected to the people she loved. Her mom later said Ariel became more than she ever imagined she would be.

When Ariel was young, the Allison family lived across the street from the Ketchner family. The two families were once close. In 1997, Jennifer began a relationship with her neighbor, Darrell Ketchner, that resulted in three children. Darrell had a long criminal history involving drugs, weapons, and domestic violence, and he spent years in and out of prison. By 2005, Ariel no longer felt safe living in the home with him and chose to move in with her paternal grandparents.

Between 2008 and 2009, Darrell’s behavior escalated. He was arrested multiple times, and Jennifer obtained three orders of protection against him. He made repeated threats against Jennifer and members of her family. In April 2009, he was arrested for vandalizing her car. In the summer of 2009, Ariel was home from Prescott College, working and preparing to transfer to school in Las Vegas to pursue dental hygiene. She had plans and a future she was building.

On July 4, 2009, Darrell violated the protective order and forced his way into the Allison home. Jennifer and Ariel were at the kitchen table when the attack began. Jennifer was assaulted. Ariel’s younger siblings escaped through a window while another person in the home ran for help. Ariel was stabbed eight times and pronounced dead at the scene. Jennifer was stabbed repeatedly but managed to reach the driveway, screaming for help and telling neighbors Darrell was trying to kill her.

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Call to Action

Ariel’s story is a devastating reminder of what happens when threats are known—but violence is allowed to escalate.

You can help by:

• Sharing Ariel’s story to keep awareness alive

• Supporting domestic violence prevention and survivor advocacy organizations

• Believing victims when they say they are afraid

• Advocating for stronger enforcement of protective orders

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