Cleveland Mourns the Loss of Ashley Nicole Burns, Victim of Fatal Domestic Shooting
CLEVELAND, Texas — A community is in mourning following the tragic death of 38-year-old Ashley Nicole Burns, who was fatally shot inside a Cleveland home last week. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, June 18, has left loved ones and neighbors devastated, and has once again raised urgent concerns about the persistent crisis of domestic violence.
According to the Cleveland Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of William Barnett Avenue around 5:28 p.m. in response to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers encountered a man — later identified as Lewis Burns, also known as Lewis Jones — sitting on the front porch. In a chilling admission, the man told authorities that he had shot a woman inside the home.
Officers forced entry into the residence and discovered Ashley Burns unresponsive on the floor of the master bedroom, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by police officers, fire personnel, and EMS, Burns was tragically pronounced dead at the scene by Liberty County Pct. 6 Justice of the Peace Ralph Fuller.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody and charged with murder, a first-degree felony. He was initially booked at the Cleveland Police Jail and later transferred to the Liberty County Jail, where his bond was set at $200,000 by Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Wade Brown.
A Community Remembering Ashley
Ashley Burns was more than a name in a police report. She was a vibrant and beloved member of the Cleveland community. A 2005 graduate of Cleveland High School, Ashley had been a proud member of the Royal Braves Marching Band, where her dedication and spirit left a lasting impression on classmates and teachers alike.
For many years, she worked at the Cleveland Walmart, where she earned a reputation among coworkers and customers for her warmth, kindness, and willingness to go the extra mile. “Ashley was always very kind and helpful,” one long-time customer said. “She had a smile for everyone.”
In addition to her professional work, Ashley was active in local volunteer organizations, often dedicating her time to church activities, food drives, and community outreach events. She was known for her compassion, her dedication to helping others, and her unwavering loyalty to friends and family.
The news of her death has stunned the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes both in person and across social media. Candlelight vigils and memorials are being planned to honor her life, and friends have described her as “a bright light that was senselessly taken far too soon.”
Seeking Justice and Raising Awareness
In a formal statement, Police Chief Broussard expressed the department’s condolences and commitment to seeing the case through. “We want to share our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ashley,” he said. “Our investigators will work diligently with prosecutors and the courts to see that justice is served on Ashley’s behalf.”
Authorities have not publicly released a motive in the shooting, but the circumstances surrounding the incident suggest a likely domestic violence situation — a tragedy that is all too common and often preventable.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or by texting “START” to 88788. No one should suffer in silence.
A Life Remembered
Ashley Nicole Burns leaves behind a legacy of kindness, selflessness, and love — qualities that friends say defined her every day. Her tragic death is not only a loss to her loved ones, but also a stark reminder of the urgency to address domestic violence and to protect those at risk.
As the investigation continues, the Cleveland community remains united in grief and resolve. Ashley’s life mattered. Her memory will not be forgotten, and those who loved her vow to honor her by supporting justice, awareness, and healing in her name.
