Summary of Offense:
Ashmus, a 22-year-old carnival worker at the time of the crime on May 19, 1984, was convicted in the murder of seven-year-old Marcella Davis after attacking her at Santa Anita Park, brutally raping her and then stuffing two wadded up plastic bags down her throat. He lured her from the pond at Howe Avenue Park by offering to give her a baby duck. Earlier that day, he had attacked a jogger and dragged her into some bushes before fleeing when two men happened upon the scene. His trial was moved to San Mateo County.
Ashmus was sentenced to death on July 25, 1986.
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