Ashley Renee Butler, a 28 year old woman from Johnston, pled guilty yesterday to Voluntary Manslaughter for the shooting death of her live-in boyfriend, Otis Matthew Key, Jr., age 25. Butler was sentenced to fifteen (15) years in the Department of Corrections by Circuit Court Judge Eugene C. Griffith, Jr. Voluntary Manslaughter is classified as a violent, most serious crime and a “no parole” offense. This case was scheduled for trial next week in Edgefield County.

Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard commented that “since I took office last year, one of my goals has been to resolve old cases pending in the 11th Circuit. I am thankful that this family now has closure for their loss.”  Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Sutania A. Fuller and Deputy Solicitor Al Eargle handled the prosecution of this case.

On April 26, 2013, Butler shot and killed Matt in the home they shared for approximately a year at 268 Lanier Road, Johnston. On that morning, a neighbor called 911 after Butler came out of the residence stating that Matt had been shot. Butler’s account of how the shooting occurred when she shot him was not supported by the physical evidence obtained by law enforcement.

Butler and Matt began their relationship while they both were attending Strom Thurmond High School. Upon graduation in 2006, Matt enrolled at SC State University where he played football up until he graduated in May of 2010. The couple has two boys together.

During sentencing, Matt’s parents addressed the Court. They expressed that they are thankful to finally have closure.