Episode 226 - Domino Effect - The Senseless Murder of Ashley Biggs
Digest
This podcast delves into the tragic murder of Ashley Biggs, a 25-year-old army veteran and Domino's delivery driver, in 2012. The episode begins with a retelling of Aesop's fable of the two goats, highlighting the importance of compromise. The case revolves around a bitter custody dispute between Ashley and her ex-partner, Chad Cobb, over their daughter, Grace. The episode details the events leading up to Ashley's disappearance, including her last delivery for Domino's and the discovery of a pool of blood at the delivery address. The investigation reveals a volatile relationship between Ashley and Chad, with allegations of physical abuse and a domestic violence conviction against Chad. The episode also highlights the disturbing allegations of abuse made against Erica Lion, Chad's wife, by Grace. The investigation leads to the discovery of Ashley's body in a cornfield, resulting in the arrest of Chad Cobb and the suspicion that Erica Lion was involved. The episode details the evidence found at Chad's home, including a stun gun, cable ties, and blood-stained clothing, linking him to Ashley's murder. Chad eventually pleads guilty to life without parole, while Erica's involvement becomes increasingly apparent. The episode reveals Chad's confession letter to the police, accusing Erica of orchestrating Ashley's murder and providing details of the crime. Cindy Cobb, Chad's mother, secretly records Erica admitting to her involvement in the murder plot. Erica's trial for aggravated murder ensues, with her defense strategy claiming the plan was to plant meth in Ashley's car, not to murder her. However, inconsistencies in her story lead to her conviction and sentencing to life in prison. The episode concludes with victim impact statements from Grace Cobb and Ashley's mother, Kimberly Biggs, expressing their pain and anger towards Erica.
Outlines
The Murder of Ashley Biggs: A True Crime Story
This episode introduces the case of Ashley Biggs, a Domino's delivery driver who was murdered in 2012. The episode explores the complex web of deceit, betrayal, and a bitter custody dispute that led to her death.
The Custody Dispute and the Murder Plot
The episode delves into the bitter custody dispute between Ashley Biggs and her ex-partner, Chad Cobb, over their daughter, Grace. It reveals the conspiracy between Chad and his wife, Erica Lion, to murder Ashley in order to gain full custody of Grace.
The Investigation and the Discovery of Ashley's Body
The episode recounts the events leading up to Ashley's disappearance, including her last delivery for Domino's and the discovery of a pool of blood at the delivery address. It details the police investigation, the discovery of Ashley's body in a cornfield, and the arrest of Chad Cobb.
Chad's Confession and Erica's Involvement
The episode reveals Chad's confession letter to the police, accusing Erica of orchestrating Ashley's murder and providing details of the crime. It also describes Cindy Cobb's secret recording of Erica admitting to her involvement in the murder plot.
Erica's Trial and Conviction
The episode details Erica's trial for aggravated murder, her plea of not guilty, and her defense strategy. It highlights inconsistencies in her story and the jury's verdict finding her guilty of aggravated murder.
Victim Impact Statements and Conclusion
The episode includes victim impact statements from Grace Cobb and Ashley's mother, Kimberly Biggs, expressing their pain and anger towards Erica. It concludes with a call to action for listeners to support the show and access exclusive content.
Keywords
Ashley Biggs
Ashley Biggs was a 25-year-old army veteran and Domino's delivery driver who was murdered in 2012. Her death sparked a complex investigation that revealed a web of deceit and betrayal.
Chad Cobb
Chad Cobb was Ashley Biggs' ex-partner and the father of their daughter, Grace. He was convicted of Ashley's murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Erica Lion (Stefanko)
Erica Lion, later Stefanko, was Chad Cobb's wife and was initially suspected of involvement in Ashley's murder. She was eventually convicted of aggravated murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Custody Dispute
The case revolves around a bitter custody dispute between Ashley Biggs and Chad Cobb over their daughter, Grace. This dispute ultimately led to Ashley's murder.
Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza is a major pizza chain that was featured in the case as Ashley Biggs' employer. The episode explores the pressure faced by Domino's delivery drivers to meet deadlines.
Aggravated Murder
Aggravated murder is a serious crime that involves the intentional killing of another person with premeditation or malice aforethought. Both Chad Cobb and Erica Stefanko were convicted of aggravated murder.
Conspiracy
The case involved a conspiracy between Chad Cobb and Erica Lion to murder Ashley Biggs. The conspiracy was motivated by their desire to gain full custody of Grace.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another. The case involved allegations of domestic violence against Chad Cobb.
Q&A
What was the motive behind Ashley Biggs' murder?
The motive behind Ashley's murder was a bitter custody dispute between her and her ex-partner, Chad Cobb, over their daughter, Grace. Erica Lion, Chad's wife, believed that getting rid of Ashley was the only way to end the dispute and gain full custody of Grace.
How did Chad Cobb's confession letter change the course of the investigation?
Chad's confession letter accused Erica of orchestrating the murder and provided details of the crime, shifting the focus of the investigation towards Erica's involvement. It also revealed that Erica had been manipulating Chad by withholding his children from visiting him in prison.
What was the significance of Cindy Cobb's secret recording of Erica?
Cindy's recording provided crucial evidence against Erica, as she admitted to making the phone call to Domino's and her involvement in the murder plot. This recording corroborated Chad's confession and ultimately led to Erica's conviction.
What was Erica's defense strategy during her trial?
Erica's defense strategy was to claim that the plan was to plant meth in Ashley's car, not to murder her. She also claimed that she was unaware of Chad's intentions until after Ashley's death. However, the prosecution presented evidence that contradicted her story.
What was the impact of Ashley's murder on her family and friends?
Ashley's murder had a devastating impact on her family and friends. Her daughter, Grace, was left without a mother, and her mother, Kimberly Biggs, had to bury her child. The verdict brought a sense of relief and closure, but the pain of Ashley's loss remained.
Show Notes
As the court system dragged its feet while making its decision, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to take matters into their own hands.
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Research & Writing:
Ryan Deininger
Editing:
Aiden Wolf
Sources:
The Daily Beast
State v Stefanko
Killer’s Ex Wife Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet - Prosecution Opening Statement
Killer’s Ex Wife Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet Defense Opening Statement
Killer’s Ex Wife Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet - Chad Cobb & Brittany Dunson
Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet - Da 2- Cindee Cobb - Chad Cobb's Mother
Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet - Day 2 - Chad Cobb Testifies
Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet - Day 2 - Cindee Cobb & Part 2 of Audio with Def.
Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet - Day 3 - Cross Exam of Chad Cobb
Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet - Day 3 - Matt Travis & Cross Exam of Cindee Cobb
Deadly Delivery Day 2: Retrial to resume in 2012 murder of Army veteran in Summit County
Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet Day 4 - Patricia Ware-Dep Steven Browning
Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet Day 4 - Agt John Saraya OH Bureau of Criminal Inv.
Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet Day 4 - George Staley, Crime Scene Investigator
Erica Stefanko on Trial for Murder of Army Vet Day 5 - Det Mike Hitchings
Deadly Delivery Day 3: Gavel-to-gavel coverage of retrial for Erica Stefanko
Deadly Delivery Day 6: Retrial continues in 2012 murder of Army veteran in Summit County
Deadly Delivery Day 9: Sentencing for woman convicted of killing Summit County Army veteran
Cleveland.com
News 5 Cleveland
Akron Beacon Journal
Akron Beacon Journal #2
Daily Mail
Advocate.com