TikTok Psychic Seeks Relief from $10 Million Verdict Over False Claims in Idaho Student Murders
A self-proclaimed psychic who used TikTok to spread false accusations about a University of Idaho professor's involvement in the 2022 murders of four students is now appealing a civil court verdict that ordered her to pay $10 million in damages. Ashley Guillard, a tarot card reader from Houston, Texas, has filed legal motions to set aside the judgment and will take her case to the ninth US circuit court of appeals in San Francisco.
False Accusations and Defamation Lawsuit
In late 2022, before authorities arrested Bryan Kohberger for the brutal stabbing deaths of Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Kaylee Goncalves in Moscow, Idaho, Guillard published videos on TikTok baselessly alleging that history professor Rebecca Scofield had a romantic relationship with one of the victims and ordered the murders to conceal it. Guillard, who described herself as a psychic crime solver, cited tarot card readings as evidence, stating in one video, "REBECCA WAS THE ONE TO INITIATE THE PLAN," and in another, "Rebecca Scofield is going to prison for the murder of the 4 University of Idaho Students whether you like it or not."
Scofield sued Guillard for defamation on December 21, 2022, expressing fear for her and her family's safety due to the videos and noting she had never met any of the victims. Guillard initially responded with taunts on TikTok, including posts like "SEE YOU IN COURT REBECCA SCOFIELD" and claims of solving other high-profile cases, such as the murder of musician Takeoff.
Trial and Verdict
After a three-day trial in February before US magistrate judge Raymond Patricco, a jury found Guillard liable for defamation. The verdict required her to pay Scofield $2.5 million for financial hardships caused by the false accusations and an additional $7.5 million in punitive damages. In March, Scofield's attorneys also sought over $165,000 in legal fees, as first reported by the Idaho Statesman.
Appeal and Legal Arguments
Guillard, who represented herself in the trial, filed for relief from the judgment on April 6, arguing that the verdict did not "align with the evidence or facts of the case." In her filings, she stated, "Unfortunately ... I have to appeal," despite hoping to move on. The ninth US circuit court has acknowledged receipt of her appeal notice.
This case has been widely viewed as an example of true-crime content creation spiraling out of control, especially since Kohberger, a criminology graduate student from Washington State University, pleaded guilty to the murders in July 2025 and received a life sentence. No other individuals were charged, and no motive for the killings has been established, leaving unanswered questions about why two roommates in the home were spared.
The outcome underscores the serious consequences of spreading misinformation online, particularly in sensitive criminal investigations, and highlights the legal recourse available for victims of defamation in the digital age.
