Silent Witness: How DNA Uncovered the Truth and Empowered My Healing

by Ashley Spence

In this compelling book, Ashley Spence shares her powerful journey from survivor to advocate, revealing how forensic DNA can change lives, transform justice, and prevent crimes before they happen. At just 19, Ashley endured a brutal assault that nearly claimed her life. For years, her attacker remained unknown-until DNA evidence brought him to justice, ensuring he would spend nearly 138 years behind bars.



Now, as a mother and the founder of the DNA Justice Project, Ashley dedicates her life to advocating for laws that expand the use of forensic DNA technology, strengthen national databases, and secure funding for life-saving programs. This book offers hope and healing for victims, and is also an inside look at the power of DNA to create policy change, provide justice for victims, and prevent future tragedies.



Part memoir, part call to action, Silent Witness is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of science to shape a safer world.

122 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2025

Reviews

[Julie Crooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so proud of Ashley Spence for her commitment and dedication to advocate laws to save lives and help victims. Ashley survived a horrific attack and leaned into God’s strength to turn that tragedy into something to help others heal and find hope. Ashley shares the most intimate details of her story that quite honestly is hard to read due to the detailed account of the brutal assault she endured for hours…then years of trauma, suffering and eventual healing. A powerful book that will leave you with so much admiration and respect for this young lady’s courage and determination to use her voice to help save lives.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are a survivor, a law enforcement officer, or simply someone interested in the intersection of science and justice, Silent Witness is an essential read. It offers hope, healing, and an invitation to become part of the solution—a call to action for all of us to ensure that the silent voices of victims are never ignored again.

This book is a masterpiece of courage, advocacy, and the indomitable human spirit. Ashley Spence’s journey will resonate with anyone who believes in the transformative power of justice and the potential for science to create a safer, more just world.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Silent Witness by Ashley Spence was a deeply moving experience - not only because of the power of her story, but because I have the honor of knowing Ashley personally. We first met in college, and even then, she stood out. There was always something about her - a radiant presence, a light that naturally drew people in. Now, more than 20 years later, that same light shines even brighter, but it’s now rooted in a depth, authenticity, and spiritual beauty that can only come from a life refined by both suffering and purpose.

Ashley’s story is one of unimaginable pain and unimaginable strength. Her courage to relive and share her trauma in order to bring justice, healing, and hope to others is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She doesn’t skim the surface or offer a polished version of pain. She goes bravely into the heart of what she felt, how she struggled, and what it truly means to live through trauma and find your voice on the other side. Silent Witness is part memoir, part call to action and it’s all heart. Through her work with the DNA Justice Project, Ashley is not only honoring her own story, but advocating for others and making meaningful change in this world.

I thank our Father for carrying her through the darkest moments and for giving her the strength and conviction to speak out. Ashley’s faith, resilience, and determination are a testament to what it means to walk boldly in purpose and has ignited my soul to stand up for what I believe in.

Ashley is a true hero - not because she survived, but because she’s chosen to give so much of herself, again and again, to make sure others don’t feel alone. That kind of sacrificial love and purpose is the very definition of strength. With her unwavering commitment to truth and justice, I have no doubt that there are even greater things ahead for her and the world will be better for it.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was 19 and a sophomore in college when a man broke into her apartment and brutally raped her through the night. There’s no easy recovery from that. The life she knew was gone and she was forever changed. This book chronicles the decade or more of her healing journey. It isn’t preachy or overdone. She tells her story in a direct and honest way.