Imran Ashgar, 34, was murdered while working as a store clerk in Columbus. The man responsible was Devonere Simmonds. Simmonds, 17, shot Imran in the eye and injured him. He then fatally shot the Pakistani immigrant in the head. And this was not all Simmonds did–the murder was part a massive crime spree. During this spree of terror, Simmonds murdered one other person and attempted to murder two people. The story of one of Simmonds’s attempted murder victims is given here.
Simmonds’s appalling behavior continued at his trial, where he laughed and threatened victims and witnesses. The murderer was sentenced to life in prison without parole. However, SB 256 gives him parole eligibility in 2043 and every five years after that. As explained in Imran’s widow’s letter to the General Assembly, the law has devastated her. Here is her and her husband’s story.
From Imran’s Wife
I’m the wife of Imran Ashgar. Senate Bill 256, which was passed by the 133rd General Assembly, is giving my husband’s killer Devonere Simmonds parole eligibility even though he was sentenced to life with no parole. I am writing to request that SB 256 be repealed or amended so that my husband and other victims can have justice.
My husband Imran was a kind-hearted man who would help anyone in need. Imran allowed a teen boy to help out in the store so that he would stay off the streets and out of trouble. He was the kind of person who would hire a tow truck driver or taxi to pick up a woman and her kids whose car had broken down. Imran was also very hardworking. He immigrated to America from Pakistan as a young adult. He often worked 13-14 hour shifts to provide for me and his family. His last job was at the Convenience Plus Food Mart in Columbus. Imran loved the USA and he loved Ohio. But the state he loved so much has betrayed him.
On July 24, 2013, Devonere Simmonds murdered my husband Imran while he worked at the Convenience Plus Food Mart. Simmonds didn’t give Imran a chance. He shot him in the eye and left him to suffer. He then returned to shoot him in the head and kill him. The murder of my husband was part of a massive crime spree, during which Simmonds murdered one other person and attempted to murder two people.
Simmonds stole my best friend and husband, a man who was my rock. My birthdays are alone, our anniversaries are alone, and holidays are alone. After the murder, I had to leave Columbus because I didn’t feel safe–Simmonds’s family harassed and threatened me through my husband’s Facebook account. Because of the murder, I often suffer from nightmares and I have anxiety when I am in public. I tried to continue working after my husband’s death, but I can’t, as I have to avoid being in public at all costs.
Simmonds was tried as an adult and convicted. The trial was terrifying. When I was in the courtroom, I observed Simmonds and his co-defendant laugh and smile. Simmonds even looked at me and put his fingers to his head like a gun. The prosecutors told me that this was an attempt to intimidate me. After being convicted, Simmonds continued to show no remorse, giving an insincere apology in an attempt to get a lighter sentence. His attempts to manipulate the judge didn’t work and he was sentenced to life without parole plus 48 years. But because of SB 256, my husband’s killer will be up for parole every five years.
Giving Simmonds multiple chances to be released is dangerous. Simmonds killed two of his victims and severely hurt two other victims. He showed no remorse in court. That kind of mentality doesn’t just happen overnight. He is a very dangerous and ruthless person who cares for no one. I fear for my safety and for the others who were involved in this case. It certainly is a possibility that Simmonds will retaliate against victims and witnesses. How far will he go to get revenge? We shouldn’t wait to find out. Victims shouldn’t have to live in constant fear. We as victims should be able to go through life and not worry if criminals will get out and get another chance to hurt us.
My husband’s justice has been taken from him. I always thought the governor and the state of Ohio had my back as a victim. But apparently, they don’t. I feel so betrayed by the state I was born and raised in and have always supported. This state, which Imran loved so much, has stabbed victims in the back. Victims should have been told about this bill and had the right to speak on it before it was passed. We were robbed of that. Our rights are being put on trial.
Please do the right thing and repeal this bill. Give us back our justice.