In a heart-wrenching revelation, the family of Ashley Prince, who was slain junto with her prominent Las Vegas attorney husband, Dennis Prince, by her ex-father-in-law last week, has lifted the veil on a tragic situation that they believe could have been averted.
**A Constant Battle for Safety**
Ashley and Dennis Prince were facing a protracted custody battle involving their two young children.
The family of Ashley Prince, represented by Paul and Julie Page, released a statement revealing that Ashley “lived in constant fear for her safety and that of her children.” They added, “despite a slow-moving court battle for protection, and one that ultimately failed her, Ashley battled relentlessly and, unfortunately, all our fears became our reality.”
**Years of Abuse and Threats**
The Page family alleges that Dylan Houston, Ashley’s ex-husband, subjected her to “verbal and mental abuse, and threats” for years. They claim that Dylan sent Ashley up to 70 threatening text messages daily, including messages like: “I’ll chisel you down to a weaker and worthless sack of bones;” “The kids are better off without you;” “They will know it one day and never want to be around you;” and “I don’t want to see you unless you’re in a casket.”
“Every day Ashley feared for her life, at times requesting security at public events, including events at her children’s school,” the Page family said.
**A Legal System that Failed**
Despite the family’s efforts to obtain a restraining order against Dylan, they claim the slow-moving court system ultimately failed Ashley.
“As we all know now, our worst fears came to life last week when Dylan’s father, who was representing Dylan perpetuated the most egregious domestic violence on behalf of his son by killing our daughter, Ashely, and her husband, Dennis.”
**Breaking the Silence**
The Page family’s statement marks the first time they have spoken publicly about the horrific events that unfolded on April 8 inside the Prince Law Firm.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure that our grandchildren are safely brought into our home,” the Page family said. “We have been in contact with police throughout their investigation and will continue to provide our full cooperation so that those who committed this crime are brought to justice.”
**A Grieving Family and a Legacy of Service**
Funeral services were held for Dennis on Tuesday. The Prince family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Shade Tree, a non-profit that supports victims of domestic violence, and the Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys.
“We are completely heartbroken over the death of Dennis and Ashley,” said Dominique Battani, Executive Director at The Shade Tree Shelter of Las Vegas. “Ashley sought assistance from The Shade Tree while navigating domestic violence in her relationship. Our entire agency is devastated by this tragedy and we extend our deepest sympathies to Ashely’s and Dennis’ families as well as our entire community.”
**A Murky Future**
Dylan Houston, Joe Houston’s son, is a dedicated father and has single-mindedly focused on the well-being of his children, according to his family’s statement. They also expressed their hope that Dylan and his children would soon be reunited.
“None of us ever could conceive of our loving father doing something so egregiously out of character,” the Houston family said. “Our hope is that through the darkness, despair, and grief, we can focus on the needs of the children.
**A Call for Justice**
The LA News Center has reached out to Dylan Houston for further comment, but the request has not yet been returned. The investigation into the tragic shooting is ongoing, and the Page family remains hopeful that justice will be served.
