Glendale teen gets 10 years for killing 43-year-old lover

Jessica Burlew, now 18, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison for the second-degree murder of her 43-year-old sexual partner.

Glendale police found Jason Ash dead in Burlew's mother's home on Jan. 18, 2014. He was found on Burlew's bed with an electrical cord wrapped around his neck and razor cuts on his face and arms.

Burlew's mother, Tracey Woodside, had found Ash and called the police. Burlew, who was then 16 years old, was gone when police arrived; Woodside said her daughter told her over the phone that Ash was dead.

Police found Burlew in a neighboring apartment, and she admitted killing Ash, stating that it was an accident, according to a police report.

Burlew told investigators that choking was common and consensual in their sexual relationship but that Ash did not use the "safety word" the two had agreed upon to stop the choking.

According to a support website, Free Jessie B, Burlew has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and autism. Burlew was in a group home but had been reported missing shortly before the killing.

Ash's mother, Marcia Ash, was at the sentencing in Maricopa County Superior Court and spoke briefly about her son.

"He was not perfect, but he was always trying to help someone," Ash said. "He was a kind and gentle soul."

Burlew was sentenced to 10 years with credit for the 644 days already served behind bars. She had pleaded guilty in early September and was tried as an adult.

“The sentencing is just a speed bump,” said Beth Payne, a member of the Free Jessie B support group.

The group, which considers Burlew a victim of sexual exploitation, raised $10,000 to hire a lawyer for a possible appeal.

Reporter Megan Cassidy contributed to this article.