“Today, Ashley Croft entered a plea to 3rd Degree Murder and accepted responsibility for the killing of her cousin, John E. Smail, IV, in exchange for a sentence of 15-30 years of incarceration at an appropriate State Correctional Facility. The Commonwealth dismissed the charge of 1st Degree Murder. While Ms. Croft’s mental illness is not an excuse for her crime, it was a major factor my office took into heavy consideration before offering this plea.  I believe the sentence properly balances the community’s need for safety and the punishment of Ms. Croft while addressing and considering her significant mental health concerns.  I hope the resolution of this case today brings Mr. Smail’s family closure and some peace to such an act of senseless violence.  Thank you to ADA Leo Ciaramitaro an ADA Theresa Miller-Sporrer for their tireless prosecution of this case.” – Nicole W. Ziccarelli