The grieving parents of a Las Vegas woman shot to death by her ex-father-in-law during a tumultuous custody battle accused the presiding judge of ignoring the danger signs allegedly exhibited by her former husband.
Ashley Prince, 30, died alongside her new husband, Dennis Prince, 57, a prominent attorney, at a Las Vegas law office Apr. 8. The couple were fatally shot by attorney Joseph Houston II, who was representing his son, Dylan Houston, Ashley's ex-husband, during a deposition for a custody case involving their children, according to authorities.
The elder Houston shot Ashley and Dennis several times before turning the gun on himself, said police. Dylan was not present.
"Unfortunately, all of our fears became a reality," Julie Page, Ashley Prince's mother, told reporters during a press conference Monday, according to KLAS-TV. "For the past two years, we have felt helpless and devastated as we witnessed Ashley endure verbal and mental abuse and threats at the hands of her former husband, Dylan Houston."
Ashley's parents accused Dylan of verbally attacking Ashley via text message – sometimes 70 times per day.
He allegedly texted Ashley threats, such as, "I don't want to see you unless you're in a casket," "I will chisel you down to a weaker and worthless sack of bones," and "I'll crush you in ways you don't even comprehend," according to her father, Paul Page.
The Pages said Clark County District Court Judge Bill Henderson, who presided over Dylan and Ashley's case, failed to protect their daughter, who feared for her safety.
A spokesperson for the court declined the outlet's request for comment.
"Do you have any private security you recommend?" Ashley texted her private investigator, Hal De Becker, prior to last Monday's deposition, the outlet reported. "Dylan has a ton of guns in that house."
After learning Dylan wouldn't be present at the hearing, she canceled security.
Ashley leaves behind three children, including an infant, she recently welcomed with Dennis. Dennis was a father of four.
Following Monday's press conference, the Houstons issued a statement:
"We cannot begin to imagine the devastating sense of loss felt by the Page and Prince families. We understand their shock and anger. We, too, are shocked. None of us ever could conceive of our loving father doing something so egregiously out of character. Our hope is that through the darkness, despair and grief, we can focus on the needs of the children. That focus extends to refraining from rebuttals and public accusations. Dylan is a dedicated father and is singularly committed to the welfare of his children. We are hopeful that Dylan and his children will be together soon and we all can begin to heal."
