Nothing Says ‘Caught’ Like Crashing the Car With a Body Inside

Nearly a year after crashing his girlfriend’s car and prompting authorities to discover her body in the trunk, an Oregon man has pleaded guilty in the case, effectively determining his future behind bars.

Tyler Holman, 40, admitted this week to second-degree murder with a firearm in the death of 35-year-old Ashley Gandolfi, according to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped additional charges, including unlawful use of a weapon and abuse of a corpse.

Under Oregon law, a conviction for second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence, with the possibility of parole only after a minimum of 25 years served.

Holman and Gandolfi had been in a relationship for more than a decade. Court records show that in March 2024, Gandolfi reported incidents of domestic violence to authorities. She told investigators that Holman had physically assaulted her during an argument, causing injuries when she fell against outdoor furniture. Neighbors later recalled hearing frequent loud arguments between the couple.

An uncle of Gandolfi told local media that she had confided in him about Holman’s excessive drinking and volatile behavior. Although Holman initially faced assault charges, the case was dropped after investigators lost contact with Gandolfi.

In January 2025, authorities believe Holman fatally shot Gandolfi, placed her body in the trunk of her car, and drove away. In the early hours of Jan. 27, Holman crashed the vehicle on Corvallis Road in Polk County, causing it to roll over. Responding officers discovered Gandolfi’s body in the trunk. An autopsy later confirmed her death was unrelated to the crash.

Holman was hospitalized for injuries sustained in the accident and was arrested on Jan. 30 after his release. Video from local news outlets showed him appearing in court wearing a neck brace and using a walker.

During a February 2025 court hearing, Gandolfi’s mother, Donna Gandolfi, urged the judge to deny Holman’s release, expressing fear for her family’s safety. She told the court she believed he posed a serious threat if freed.

The couple shared a 7-year-old daughter, who has been in the custody of her maternal grandparents since May 2024.

A second man, Logan Wilkins, 38, was also charged in connection with the case. Prosecutors said Wilkins helped Holman move Gandolfi’s body. He pleaded guilty in March 2025 to second-degree abuse of a corpse and evidence tampering. Wilkins is expected to be sentenced following the conclusion of Holman’s case.

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