Jason Simpson told women on Tinder he was a widower with no "baby momma drama" just days after his former girlfriend was found dead in the backyard of their Cecilton, Maryland home, according to court documents.
The 29-year-old father is now charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 27-year-old Ashley Silverman, a mother of four who investigators say Simpson strangled before attempting to cover up the killing as a suicide.
Background
Maryland State Police responded to a call from a home on the block of Cecilton around 1:45 a.m. on June 18, finding Silverman dead at the scene. Simpson was also present and immediately told investigators that Silverman had hanged herself on a swing set in the backyard.
According to court documents obtained by The Cecil Whig, Simpson claimed Silverman showed up at the house the night of June 17 making numerous statements she wanted to kill herself while knocking on the door. He said when no one let her inside, she walked around back. After checking on his two crying children inside, Simpson claimed he saw Silverman had hanged herself from the swing set and brought her inside in a wagon before calling 911.
But investigators quickly identified major inconsistencies in Simpson's account. The swing set was located 155 feet from the house, and the backyard was described as "almost completely dark," making his claim that he observed Silverman hanging an "impossibility." Police said they believed the scene had been staged.
Simpson also told police his mother was at the scene, but she later told investigators she was not present. He claimed Silverman had not been at the home for "several months," yet neighbors reported seeing her there just two days before her death.
The Investigation
Court records reveal Simpson and Silverman had a documented history of domestic violence. A judge had recently approved a protective order against Simpson, and Simpson himself acknowledged to investigators that they had a violent relationship.
Investigators discovered that shortly after Silverman's death, Simpson was "actively seeking dates on Tinder," where he identified himself as a widower with no children—a stark contrast to the father of four he actually was.
The Cecil Whig reported that Simpson had prior criminal charges related to domestic violence incidents going back to 2024. In September 2024, he was convicted of second-degree assault after allegedly charging at Silverman with a knife because she took his phone. He was sentenced to two years in prison, but the judge suspended the sentence and placed him on probation for 18 months.
Just 10 days after that conviction, Simpson was arrested for another incident during which he allegedly choked Silverman—a violation of both his probation and an active protection order. That arrest led to the current charges.
Silverman left behind 11-month-old twins and two sons, ages 3 and 4.
Key Takeaways
- Jason Simpson, 29, is charged with second-degree murder in connection with Ashley Silverman's death on June 18
- Investigators determined it was physically impossible for Simpson to have seen the swing set where he claimed Silverman hanged herself at night
- Police say Simpson told Tinder dates he was a widower with no children days after Silverman's death
- Simpson had prior domestic violence convictions, including an assault with a knife and strangulation charges
- A protection order against Simpson was in effect at the time of Silverman's death
- Silverman was mother to four children: 11-month-old twins and two sons ages 3 and 4
What's Next
Simpson is currently held without bond at the Cecil County Detention Center. His next scheduled court appearance is set for September 25, when he is expected to face additional charges related to violations of his probation and protection order.