Two people have been convicted in connection with the death of a missing man from Butler County, Pennsylvania. The man had been reported missing earlier, and after a thorough investigation, his body was discovered, leading to legal action against those involved.
The case began when family members reported the victim, 31-year-old Nathaniel “Nate” Herrington, missing in 2022. He was last seen in Butler County and had not been in contact with anyone for several days, raising immediate concerns. Authorities launched a search operation and started tracking his last known movements. As the investigation deepened, suspicions grew, and two individuals came under scrutiny.
Authorities soon arrested two suspects—Ashley Barber and Devin Cox—both of whom were believed to have been with Herrington during his last known hours. After weeks of interviews, surveillance footage analysis, and forensic checks, the pair was charged in connection with the disappearance and eventual death of Herrington.
Investigators say that Herrington was killed and then buried in a remote area. His remains were later found in a wooded part of Armstrong County, which is adjacent to Butler County. The discovery came after one of the accused provided critical information about the location of the body during police questioning.
The trial began months later, where prosecutors laid out a detailed case. They presented phone records, witness statements, and evidence found at the burial site. One of the most crucial pieces of evidence was the testimony from people who said Barber and Cox had spoken about Herrington’s death after it happened.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the motive was believed to be connected to personal disputes, with some indications of drug involvement, though specific details were not fully disclosed during the trial. The court heard that Herrington had met with the two accused shortly before his disappearance and that there had been tension between them.
During the trial, both Barber and Cox were represented by separate legal teams. While Cox’s defense argued that he did not participate in any violence and was unaware of the crime, the jury found the overall evidence compelling enough to convict him alongside Barber.
In court, members of Herrington’s family spoke emotionally about their loss. They described him as a kind, caring person who had made mistakes but was trying to turn his life around. His mother told the court that no parent should have to bury their child, especially under such horrible circumstances.
After deliberating for several hours, the jury returned with a guilty verdict for both defendants. Ashley Barber was convicted of third-degree murder, while Devin Cox was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and abuse of a corpse. Sentencing is expected to happen in the coming weeks, with both facing significant prison time.
This case drew a lot of attention in the local community, especially after search crews found Herrington’s remains in a shallow grave. People in the area were shocked by the details that emerged, and many followed the court proceedings closely.
Law enforcement officials have credited teamwork and persistent effort for solving the case. They said the cooperation between Butler County and Armstrong County authorities played a vital role in locating the body and bringing the accused to justice.
Officials also acknowledged the help of local residents who shared tips and came forward with information during the early stages of the investigation. Without their support, detectives said, the case may have taken much longer to solve.
Herrington’s family says they are grateful that justice has been served, though they admit that the pain of losing him will never fully go away. They hope his story serves as a reminder about the importance of seeking help during difficult times and being cautious about the company one keeps.
This conviction closes a tragic chapter for the Herrington family but also brings some resolution to a case that once had no answers. The local authorities say they will continue to support the family and ensure that the sentencing process is carried out fairly.
