The Story
In the morning hours of October 6, 2009, an intruder broke into the Milwaukee-area home of 19-year old Ashleigh Love, walked to her bedroom, and shot her to death while she was sleeping. More than 14 years have passed since she was killed, and the case is still cold. No suspects have been arrested. No justice has been served. In the aftermath of her death, Ashleigh’s parents, siblings, best friends, colleagues, and classmates come together in an attempt to share the full story and set the record straight. No stone is left unturned while dozens of theories are presented in an attempt to answer one simple question: Who Killed Ashleigh Love? Emmy Award Winner Kyle Olson hosts.
LOVE & JUSTICE is an investigative documentary-style podcast that explores the cold case murder mystery of Wisconsin native Ashleigh Love. In 2023, LOVE & JUSTICE earned a nomination for the prestigious WEBBY Award, competing in a category alongside Tom Hanks. The following year, it garnered a nomination for the IMPACT Award at CrimeCon UK. Recently, Biography included LOVE & JUSTICE in its list of the Top 15 Best True Crime Podcasts of all time.
LOVE & JUSTICE is an investigative documentary-style podcast that explores the cold case murder mystery of Wisconsin native Ashleigh Love. In 2023, LOVE & JUSTICE earned a nomination for the prestigious WEBBY Award, competing in a category alongside Tom Hanks. The following year, it garnered a nomination for the IMPACT Award at CrimeCon UK. Recently, Biography included LOVE & JUSTICE in its list of the Top 15 Best True Crime Podcasts of all time.
THERE IS CURRENTLY A $12,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO A CONVICTION OR ARREST OF ASHLEIGH LOVE'S KILLER OR KILLERS.
Ashleigh Love
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Ashleigh Anne Love was born on September 17, 1990 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was welcomed to the world by her parents, Tammy and Joe, and older brother Anthony. Just a few years later, Ashleigh herself would become a big sister for younger brother Alex.
Ashleigh enjoyed living life to the fullest - spending quality time with family and friends. From a young age, she enjoyed baking and playing sports. Ashleigh also loved reading Harry Potter books and playing board games with friends. She loved going to the movies and cheering on Milwaukee sports teams - like the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Green Bay Packers. Throughout High School and after she graduated, Ashleigh spent much of her time working at the local Arby's. For Ashleigh, her time at Arby's wasn't "work" - it was a passion. She enjoyed the work; and most especially, those whom she worked with. Ashleigh attended Pius XI High School, where she graduated in 2009 with honors at the top of her class. Her peers constantly described her as being hard-working and a friend to all. Upon graduating, Ashleigh took some time to begin exploring her options for a career she might be interested in pursuing. Ashleigh Love was 19 years old when she was murdered in her own family home. 
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The Murder
On the night of October 5, 2009, Ashleigh Love returned home from work at Arby's. That evening, Ashleigh spent time with her family as they watched a Green Bay Packers football game. Later, Ashleigh took a shower and went to bed for the night. According to Ashleigh’s family, it was another normal night and there was nothing out of the ordinary.
At approximately 2:00 AM, an armed intruder broke into the Love’s residence. The intruder proceeded inside Ashleigh’s bedroom on the second floor. The intruder took aim and shot Ashleigh in the face with a shotgun while she lay in her own bed.
After the shot was fired, Tammy (Ashleigh's mother) recalls being jolted from her sleep. After waking, Tammy alleges she heard footsteps outside her door as if someone was running down the stairs from Ashleigh's room. Tammy got out of bed to investigate the noise, and when she opened her bedroom door, the intruder was standing in front of her with a shotgun in hand. Tammy was frightened and thought the family was being robbed. She started to scream and said to the masked intruder, "take whatever you want and please leave".
After Tammy had a brief face to face encounter with the intruder, the intruder ran out of the home. Tammy believes that the intruder had an accomplice, recalling, “I heard something, like a flash. I could see like somebody else running.” Nothing was taken from the Love's household that night, which led investigators to quickly discount burglary as a motive. As a result, investigators believe that Ashleigh was specifically targeted. Though the intruder wore a bandanna that concealed the lower half of his face, Tammy describes him as a Hispanic male approximately 20 years of age with average height and build. The intruder had short, spiked black hair, and wore a dark zippered sweater or jacket. Investigators have also not not ruled out the possibility of an accomplice.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, everyone who knew Ashleigh in some capacity was thoroughly reviewed. Evidence was collected from the household after the night of the murder, but the contents cannot be disclosed to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Ashleigh’s family mourns the loss of their beloved daughter and sister, and hope that one day, her killer will be brought to justice. Over 13 years later, the murder of Ashleigh Love remains unsolved.
At approximately 2:00 AM, an armed intruder broke into the Love’s residence. The intruder proceeded inside Ashleigh’s bedroom on the second floor. The intruder took aim and shot Ashleigh in the face with a shotgun while she lay in her own bed.
After the shot was fired, Tammy (Ashleigh's mother) recalls being jolted from her sleep. After waking, Tammy alleges she heard footsteps outside her door as if someone was running down the stairs from Ashleigh's room. Tammy got out of bed to investigate the noise, and when she opened her bedroom door, the intruder was standing in front of her with a shotgun in hand. Tammy was frightened and thought the family was being robbed. She started to scream and said to the masked intruder, "take whatever you want and please leave".
After Tammy had a brief face to face encounter with the intruder, the intruder ran out of the home. Tammy believes that the intruder had an accomplice, recalling, “I heard something, like a flash. I could see like somebody else running.” Nothing was taken from the Love's household that night, which led investigators to quickly discount burglary as a motive. As a result, investigators believe that Ashleigh was specifically targeted. Though the intruder wore a bandanna that concealed the lower half of his face, Tammy describes him as a Hispanic male approximately 20 years of age with average height and build. The intruder had short, spiked black hair, and wore a dark zippered sweater or jacket. Investigators have also not not ruled out the possibility of an accomplice.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, everyone who knew Ashleigh in some capacity was thoroughly reviewed. Evidence was collected from the household after the night of the murder, but the contents cannot be disclosed to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Ashleigh’s family mourns the loss of their beloved daughter and sister, and hope that one day, her killer will be brought to justice. Over 13 years later, the murder of Ashleigh Love remains unsolved.
The Team
Kyle C. Olson is an award-winning producer, director, and storyteller. He has traveled the world while working on world-class productions, and has had the pleasure of working with some of Hollywood's biggest stars. He also won his first Emmy Award at age 30.
He has worked on numerous movies & television shows, including BARBIE, HIJACK, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, MASTERS OF THE AIR, AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, DANCING WITH THE STARS, and THE BACHELOR -- just to name a few. On each of these shows, Kyle bring new talents to the table -- often wearing more than one hat for a production. He has had extensive and diverse experience working in production, casting, and serving as a director and producer.
Kyle brings a level of energy to his craft that is fresh, dynamic, and invigorating to all he works with. In 2019, Kyle's latest documentary, THE LAST SIGNAL, received the Mid-America Emmy Award for "Best Historical Documentary". In 2018, the film received the title of "Best Documentary" at the Normandy WWII Film Festival in Normandy, France - an honor bestowed by the cast of the hit HBO series BAND OF BROTHERS.
In 2015, Kyle was the recipient of the Milwaukee Press Club Award for "Best Documentary" for his directing work on LETTERS TO ASHLEIGH - a movie about Ashleigh Love's senseless murder and how the community rallied together after an unimaginable tragedy to help the Love Family move forward with life as they know it. During the premiere of the film at the Marcus Majestic Cinema, Kyle was moved by the community response and what the then-Captain Pointe of the Milwaukee Police Department shared. Captain Pointe said, "Someone knows something - and it's because they have not come forward yet that this case is not solved." Years later, those words have stuck close to Kyle - which inspired him to team up with Noelle, Shawn, and the Love Family to create LOVE & JUSTICE.
He has worked on numerous movies & television shows, including BARBIE, HIJACK, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, MASTERS OF THE AIR, AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, DANCING WITH THE STARS, and THE BACHELOR -- just to name a few. On each of these shows, Kyle bring new talents to the table -- often wearing more than one hat for a production. He has had extensive and diverse experience working in production, casting, and serving as a director and producer.
Kyle brings a level of energy to his craft that is fresh, dynamic, and invigorating to all he works with. In 2019, Kyle's latest documentary, THE LAST SIGNAL, received the Mid-America Emmy Award for "Best Historical Documentary". In 2018, the film received the title of "Best Documentary" at the Normandy WWII Film Festival in Normandy, France - an honor bestowed by the cast of the hit HBO series BAND OF BROTHERS.
In 2015, Kyle was the recipient of the Milwaukee Press Club Award for "Best Documentary" for his directing work on LETTERS TO ASHLEIGH - a movie about Ashleigh Love's senseless murder and how the community rallied together after an unimaginable tragedy to help the Love Family move forward with life as they know it. During the premiere of the film at the Marcus Majestic Cinema, Kyle was moved by the community response and what the then-Captain Pointe of the Milwaukee Police Department shared. Captain Pointe said, "Someone knows something - and it's because they have not come forward yet that this case is not solved." Years later, those words have stuck close to Kyle - which inspired him to team up with Noelle, Shawn, and the Love Family to create LOVE & JUSTICE.
Noelle Cain is a seasoned Casting Director, Talent Producer, and Brand Ambassador Consultant based in Los Angeles, CA. With over ten years of experience, she has a knack for discovering diverse and compelling talent for reality TV, including several Emmy Award-winning series. Noelle's career took off with casting roles on major shows like SURVIVOR, THE AMAZING RACE, and TOP CHEF, and she later specialized in true crime and docu-series, contributing to projects like BILLY THE EXTERMINATOR, SWAMP PEOPLE, and MTV's SIESTA KEY. Known for her unique ability to connect with individuals from all backgrounds, Noelle excels in uncovering authentic characters and game-changing talent, whether they're alligator hunters, homicide detectives, or Grammy-winning singers.
In 2015, Noelle met Kyle in Florida, where they bonded over his project, LETTERS TO ASHLEIGH. Moved by the story and the Love family's resilience, particularly Ashleigh's mother Tammy, Noelle was compelled to act upon learning of the unresolved murder. After extensive collaboration with Kyle, including many brainstorming sessions and diner meetings, they began shaping the podcast LOVE AND JUSTICE. Around this time, Special Agent Shawn Smith, whom Noelle had previously considered for various projects, retired from active duty. Inspired by the case and the Love family’s determination, Shawn decided to join the investigation pro bono, bringing his expertise in solving cold cases to help seek justice for Ashleigh.
In 2015, Noelle met Kyle in Florida, where they bonded over his project, LETTERS TO ASHLEIGH. Moved by the story and the Love family's resilience, particularly Ashleigh's mother Tammy, Noelle was compelled to act upon learning of the unresolved murder. After extensive collaboration with Kyle, including many brainstorming sessions and diner meetings, they began shaping the podcast LOVE AND JUSTICE. Around this time, Special Agent Shawn Smith, whom Noelle had previously considered for various projects, retired from active duty. Inspired by the case and the Love family’s determination, Shawn decided to join the investigation pro bono, bringing his expertise in solving cold cases to help seek justice for Ashleigh.
Shawn Smith was a dedicated law enforcement professional with 38 years of experience, primarily with the Montgomery Police Department in Alabama, where he ascended from Detective to Lieutenant, ultimately leading the Homicide Unit he established. Throughout his career at MPD, he played a key role in over 350 murder cases, numerous suicides, accidental deaths, and officer-involved shootings, in collaboration with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. He also served part-time with the State Medical Examiner’s Office and taught Death/Homicide Investigation at police academies.
In his later years, Shawn worked as the primary Cold Case Investigator for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, overseeing cold case reviews across all 67 counties. His focus was on unsolved sexual assaults and homicides, achieving convictions in cases dating back to 1985. His role required extensive travel to collaborate with various law enforcement agencies, review case files, examine evidence, and, if necessary, re-submit it for forensic analysis. Shawn’s work also involved interviewing key parties, preparing detailed reports, and testifying in court to advance these cases. Shawn passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to justice.
In his later years, Shawn worked as the primary Cold Case Investigator for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, overseeing cold case reviews across all 67 counties. His focus was on unsolved sexual assaults and homicides, achieving convictions in cases dating back to 1985. His role required extensive travel to collaborate with various law enforcement agencies, review case files, examine evidence, and, if necessary, re-submit it for forensic analysis. Shawn’s work also involved interviewing key parties, preparing detailed reports, and testifying in court to advance these cases. Shawn passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to justice.
Jessica Salamon is a multifaceted professional with roles as a producer, event manager, and a trainee marriage and family therapist. She is deeply committed to assisting individuals and narrating their experiences. Jessica's educational background in human services, leadership development, and clinical psychology has equipped her with expertise in research, data collection, and the management of both people and projects.
Her partnership with Kyle began in 2016 on a project for The Walt Disney Company, where they discovered a shared passion for production and storytelling. This bond led to Jessica's involvement in LOVE & JUSTICE, a project aimed at supporting the Love family, who are coping with the prolonged grief and trauma that often affects families of cold case victims. These families' struggles are seldom brought to light, and the murder of a loved one impacts multiple systems within their lives. Jessica is committed to providing closure and relief to the Love family, driven by a resolve to see justice prevail.
Her partnership with Kyle began in 2016 on a project for The Walt Disney Company, where they discovered a shared passion for production and storytelling. This bond led to Jessica's involvement in LOVE & JUSTICE, a project aimed at supporting the Love family, who are coping with the prolonged grief and trauma that often affects families of cold case victims. These families' struggles are seldom brought to light, and the murder of a loved one impacts multiple systems within their lives. Jessica is committed to providing closure and relief to the Love family, driven by a resolve to see justice prevail.
