N.H. man gets life in prison for killing woman who was found bound and burned near train tracks

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (TCD) -- A 48-year-old New Hampshire man will spend the rest of his life in prison for his role in the death of a 29-year-old woman who was found badly burned near train tracks.

On June 2, the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office announced Julian Squires was found guilty of murder and kidnapping following a 10-day trial. The jury reportedly deliberated for about seven hours before reaching their decision. Just under a week later on June 9, the District Attorney’s Office said Squires was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for Ashley Bortner’s death.

Squires received the life sentence for the murder conviction, and Plymouth Supreme Court Judge Brian Davis also handed him a 9 1/2 to 10 years sentence for kidnapping, which will run concurrently.

According to Bridgewater Police, on Nov. 3, 2015, officers received a call about a suspicious vehicle parked and two people in the area near the MBTA railroad tracks at Oak and Crapo streets. When police arrived, they reportedly saw a fire on the west side of the tracks and "determined that it was a human body burning."

The Bridgewater Fire Department showed up to the scene to extinguish the blaze and declared the victim deceased. She was later identified as 29-year-old Bortner.

The District Attorney’s Office said over 70% of Bortner’s body had been burned. She had also been "gagged by clothing, and her face was wrapped with a towel."

Bortner’s hands and feet were reportedly tied behind her.

Another suspect in Bortner’s death, Fernando Owens, reportedly knew Bortner. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Owens fled to the Dominican Republic but was apprehended and is awaiting trial. Owens allegedly "believed Bortner played a role in the murder of his son."

District Attorney Tim Cruz said in the statement about Squire’s sentencing, "The murder of Miss Bortner was particularly gruesome and cruel. I am pleased that the jury saw the facts of this case and found Julian Squires guilty for his role in this heinous crime."

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