A seemingly innocent online friendship between two teenagers turned deadly when a young woman traveled across the Atlantic to meet her boyfriend, only to suffer over 90 stab wounds in a brutal attack. Authorities arrested the perpetrator on February 1, 2022, discovering him on a video call with his sister while displaying the victim’s body.

The Beginnings of an Online Romance

Ashley Wadsworth, originally from Canada, first connected with Jack Sepple from Essex through social media at age 12, while he was 15. Over the years, their chats evolved from casual exchanges about life in Britain and Canada into a romantic relationship. Ashley often ed her deep affection in messages, writing, “I just miss you so much, Jack. I love you so much. I miss you.”

Ashley’s parents, Christy Gendron and Ken Wadsworth, initially supported their daughter’s long-distance interest. Christy recalled greeting Sepple during their conversations, noting, “If she was talking to him, I’d say ‘Hi, Jack’ and ask him about England. I loved his accent.” However, she repeatedly advised Ashley to avoid getting too attached due to the vast distance separating them.

Unbeknownst to the family, Sepple had a history of legal troubles, including convictions for harassment, breaching a restraining order after an ex-girlfriend ended their online relationship, and assaulting his own mother.

Overcoming Parental Concerns for the Trip

Ashley dreamed of visiting Sepple in the UK, but her parents resisted for years. Ken eventually relented when Ashley, then 19, insisted she would go regardless, stating, “Well, I’m gonna go, no matter what, so you’re either with me or against me.” He encouraged her to save for the journey.

Before departure, Christy urged Sepple to protect her daughter, saying, “Jack, I’m sending you my baby, so please take care of her. I’m trusting you with her.” Sepple reassured her, promising to “guard Ashley with his life.” Yet, after Ashley arrived in England for her gap-year adventure, Christy never saw her alive again.

From Hopeful Start to Escalating Abuse

The visit began promisingly, with Ashley telling her mother about their strong connection. Tensions arose when the devout Mormon suggested shortening her stay. Her sister Hailey noted Sepple’s lack of effort, saying, “He didn’t take her out for dinner. He didn’t buy her flowers. He didn’t buy her anything. He didn’t do anything nice for her.”

Life in their flat became monotonous, with Sepple unemployed and the couple rarely venturing out. Ken observed, “I figured they’d be walking around Chelmsford and seeing the sights, but apparently that wasn’t exactly the case. I think it was just a control situation.”

A turning point came during the Christmas holidays when Sepple was hospitalized after an apparent intentional drug overdose. Hailey described the shift post-New Year’s: “That’s when he started to be more controlling.” Ashley confided that Sepple had hit her over the head with a glass cup and was growing increasingly violent. Hailey pleaded for two weeks, urging her sister to return home.

The Final Days and Tragic Discovery

On the day of her death, Ashley sought help from neighbor Helen Burtenshaw, arriving barefoot with a cut hand and a shattered phone. She explained, “Jack’s just beaten me up,” and revealed he had thrown their kitten against a wall. Despite Ashley’s reluctance, Helen offered to call police, but Ashley prioritized contacting her family using Helen’s phone. She agreed to leave but needed a COVID test for her flight.

The next day, February 1, Hailey repeatedly tried reaching Sepple’s phone, concerned about Ashley’s damaged device. When unanswered, she alerted Essex Police for a welfare check. Officers forced entry into the residence after noticing movement inside. Detective Superintendent Scott Egerton described the scene: Sepple was on his bed next to Ashley’s body, with significant blood in the bedroom—a gruesome sight.

When questioned, Sepple chillingly replied, “I went psychotic. I’m sorry.” He confessed to strangling and stabbing Ashley. Arrested immediately, he faced trial at Chelmsford Crown Court in October 2022. Mr. Justice Murray labeled him “a dangerous individual,” calling the attack “brutal and cowardly.” Sepple received a life sentence with a minimum of 23 years and six months before parole eligibility.

For support with domestic violence or coercive control, contact Refuge’s 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247.