The upcoming 20/20 episode about Ashley Van Hemert’s case is all set to be released on March 14, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC, and will be available to stream on Hulu the next day. The episode is hosted by John Quiñones, a well-known ABC News correspondent. It looks into a 2018 shooting in Bozeman, Montana, where Ashley Van Hemert was shot multiple times and left injured, while her roommate, Lauren DeWise, was killed.
The case involves an intruder entering their home, leading to a police investigation with new video evidence and an interview with Ashley, who survived. The episode explores what happened, who was responsible, and why they were later released from prison. It includes talks with police and a visit to the crime scene.
Who is Ashley Van Hemert?
Ashley Van Hemert is a woman from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, born in 1985. She grew up in a big family as the oldest of eight kids. Her parents, Lyle and Linda Van Hemert, raised her with strong faith, which she carried into her life. Ashley went to Sioux Falls Christian High School and graduated in 2004. She was a talented athlete, especially in running, and set a school record for the 3,200-meter run. She loved sports like cross country and skiing.
After high school, Ashley moved to Belgrade, Montana, about nine years before 2018, drawn by the mountains and outdoor life. She worked as a certified nursing assistant at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital. Ashley also volunteered at her church and sponsored a child from Ethiopia after a mission trip in 2014. She lived with her Alaskan Malamute dog, Bronson, who joined her on snowy adventures.
Story Behind Ashley Van Hemert Case
Ashley Van Hemert was involved in a shooting on January 7, 2018, in Belgrade, Montana. She was 32 and lived in a house with two roommates, Lauren DeWise and Audria Butler. That night, around 3 a.m., Lauren’s estranged husband, Joseph Paul DeWise, broke into their home on Idaho Street. He was upset because Lauren had left him in November 2017 due to abuse and was planning a divorce. Joseph brought his 15-year-old son, Joe, with him. They wore gloves and masks to hide their identities.
Joseph went upstairs, entered Ashley’s room first, and shot her while she slept. She was hit four times—in the head, neck, shoulder, and side. Then, he went to Lauren’s room and shot her multiple times, killing her. Ashley survived but was badly hurt. She lay on the floor for six hours until Audria came home around 9 a.m. and found her. Audria called 911, and police arrived. They found Lauren dead and rushed Ashley to the hospital. She had broken ribs, a punctured lung, a broken arm, and brain damage. She needed three surgeries and later had a stroke.
Police arrested Joseph after his son told them the truth. At first, Joe lied, saying they were home watching TV, but he later admitted he saw his dad shoot both women. Joseph told Joe to throw the gun in a pond near their Bozeman home. In December 2019, a jury found Joseph guilty of murder and attempted murder. On February 4, 2020, he was sentenced to 220 years in prison with no parole. Ashley and her family forgave him during the sentencing, and she gave him a Bible with a poem.
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