Police say Waterford man charged with killing girlfriend changed his story

(WJBK) - A Waterford man will stand trial for the murder of his girlfriend.

Ian Jones is accused of killing 26-year-old Ashley Rich two months ago inside their apartment.

Rich's family told FOX 2 that Jones was physically abusive towards Ashley during their one year relationship -- and she planned to move out just prior to her death.

Jones, 26, is charged with felony firearm and open murder. He claims the gun slipped when he was swinging it on his finger causing the bullet to go into her back. But police also caught him changing his story.

"It was indicated by Mr. Jones that the firearm had been located underneath a couch cushion," said a detective. "And he had described that Ms. Rich had sat or laid down on that couch and the fire arm went off." 

Rich was found on the living room floor at the Ashton Pines apartment complex on Aug. 27, by police responding to a 911 call.

Rich was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation found she had been shot with a handgun kept in the apartment by her boyfriend. 

He faces life in prison if convicted.  Rich leaves behind three children, ages 10, 8 and 3.

Her mother Melinda Newcomb spoke to FOX 2 about Jones' abuse, saying he  tried to attack her with a wrench when she confronted him about the abuse and even threatened to shoot Ashley one day for not making the bed.

MORE COVERAGE:
Boyfriend charged with murdering Waterford mom
Waterford family crushed after mom to 3 killed

"Those kids were her life. She lived and breathed for the babies," Newcomb said in a previous interview. "Shot her in the back and it pierced her heart. She had no chance."