SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash — Spokane County Superior Court Judge, Charnelle Bjelkengren, sentenced Dean Ayers to over 23 years in prison for the murder of his wife Shannon Ayers back in 2022.
During the sentencing, multiple people came forward to speak on behalf of and against Ayers for the murder. Judge Bjelkengren told the media that they weren't allowed to videotape any of the testimonies defending Ayers, but allowed those who had testimonies against Ayers to be recorded.
The victim's family members came forward to tell the court how this murder had affected their lives. Some of those people include Ayers first wife, a statement from Ayers daughter, the victim's daughter and the victim's daughter-in-law.
"I hope someday I can make peace with who you really are and that unfortunately, you are my dad. Shannon created the closest thing we ever had to a father-daughter relationship and now so many chances of what may or may not have come from our relationship in the future is completely gone and always will be because of you," said Ayers daughter in her statement.
Ayers first wife, Geneva Ayers, gave insight to the court about their first marriage and who Ayers was behind closed doors. "I know what it's like to be on the receiving end of Dean. I know what he is capable of," said Geneva Ayers, Dean's first wife.
The victim's daughter and daughter-in-law also spoke at the sentencing saying that Shannon's presence and unconditional love will be missed. "A life should be worth more because in my life I will suffer till the day I die that I lost my mother too soon," said Angie Campbell, Shannon's daughter.
"Looking into my little daughter's eyes and telling her your grandma was murdered that's just something I don't think I can do," said Jessica Campbell, Shannon's daughter-in-law.
In total, Judge Bjelkengren sentenced Ayers to 280 months behind bars for the murder of Shannon Ayers.