Ashley Biggs Lured to Her Death in New Franklin Ohio

The murder of Ashley Biggs on June 20, 2012, in New Franklin, Ohio, is a harrowing tale of deception, betrayal, and premeditated violence. This case, which involved a contentious custody battle, a calculated scheme, and a brutal execution, shocked the local community and gained national attention. The twists and turns in the legal proceedings, spanning over a decade, revealed a chilling conspiracy orchestrated by those closest to Biggs. This article delves into the background of the case, the people involved, the investigation, trials, and the final justice served.

Ashley Biggs: A Life Cut Short

Ashley Biggs was a 25-year-old woman known for her kind spirit and dedication. She had served in the U.S. Army before returning to civilian life, where she worked as a delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza in Akron, Ohio. She was a loving mother to her young daughter, Grace, whom she shared with her ex-boyfriend Chad Cobb. However, her life took a tragic turn when she became entangled in a bitter custody dispute that ultimately led to her untimely death.

Biggs’ relationship with Cobb had ended on bad terms, and their custody battle over their daughter had been ongoing. Friends and family described her as a devoted mother who wanted the best for her child. Unfortunately, this desire to secure her parental rights made her the target of a sinister plot.

The Custody Battle That Sparked a Deadly Plot

Biggs and Cobb had been involved in a volatile relationship that ended in separation. Their legal disputes over their daughter were intense, with Biggs fighting for custody rights against Cobb and his wife, Erica Stefanko. The hostility between Biggs and the Cobb-Stefanko household grew more bitter over time.

Stefanko, who had married Cobb after his relationship with Biggs ended, played a central role in the animosity. She had reportedly expressed disdain for Biggs and was deeply involved in the legal fight for custody. Investigators later revealed that Stefanko and Cobb conspired to eliminate Biggs as a way to secure sole custody of the child.

This plot involved luring Biggs into a trap, using her job as a pizza delivery driver to orchestrate the crime. Stefanko and Cobb meticulously planned the murder, ensuring that Biggs would be isolated when the attack took place.

The Night of the Murder

On the night of June 20, 2012, Ashley Biggs received a delivery order from a supposed customer at a vacant business in New Franklin, Ohio. Unbeknownst to her, the call had been placed by Erica Stefanko. When Biggs arrived at the location, she was ambushed by Chad Cobb.

Cobb brutally attacked Biggs, beating and strangling her to death with a zip tie. Her body was later found in a cornfield inside her car, abandoned near a rural area. The brutality of the crime shocked law enforcement, who immediately suspected foul play. Investigators noted the calculated nature of the attack, indicating that it was a well-planned murder rather than a random act of violence.

The Investigation and Chad Cobb’s Confession

Following the discovery of Biggs’ body, authorities quickly focused on Chad Cobb. The custody battle and history of animosity between him and Biggs placed him under immediate suspicion. After gathering substantial evidence, Cobb was arrested and charged with Biggs’ murder.

Faced with overwhelming proof, including phone records and forensic evidence, Cobb pleaded guilty to the murder in 2013. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. At the time, Stefanko was not charged, and it appeared that Cobb had acted alone. However, this narrative would change years later.

New Evidence and Erica Stefanko’s Arrest

For years, Chad Cobb’s confession stood as the final resolution of the case. But in 2019, investigators reopened the case after uncovering new evidence implicating Erica Stefanko. Witness testimonies and Cobb’s own statements revealed that Stefanko had played a crucial role in orchestrating the murder.

Authorities learned that Stefanko was the one who had placed the fake pizza order to lure Biggs to the scene. She had also assisted in covering up the crime and maintaining Cobb’s alibi. With this new information, Stefanko was arrested in 2019 and charged with aggravated murder and kidnapping.

The 2020 Trial and Conviction

Stefanko’s trial in 2020 presented compelling evidence of her involvement. Prosecutors argued that she had been an active participant in the crime and that her actions directly led to Biggs’ murder. Testimonies from Cobb and other witnesses painted a picture of a calculated plan driven by personal vendetta and a desire to gain custody of the child.

In November 2020, a jury found Stefanko guilty of aggravated murder and kidnapping. She was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. The verdict was seen as a long-overdue justice for Biggs’ family, who had waited years for all those responsible to be held accountable.

Overturned Conviction and the 2024 Retrial

Despite the conviction, Stefanko’s legal battle was not over. In 2022, an appeals court overturned her conviction, citing procedural issues, including the use of virtual testimonies due to COVID-19 restrictions. This ruling led to a retrial in 2024.

During the retrial, prosecutors once again presented evidence demonstrating Stefanko’s role in the crime. This time, witnesses testified in person, and the jury reached the same conclusion. In January 2024, Stefanko was once again found guilty.

Final Sentencing and Impact on the Family

On February 1, 2024, Stefanko was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. The sentencing marked the end of a prolonged legal battle and brought a measure of closure to Biggs’ family.

During the sentencing, Biggs’ now-teenage daughter, who had been a child at the time of the murder, delivered an emotional statement. She addressed Stefanko directly, describing the pain of growing up without her mother and the lasting impact of the crime on her life. Her words served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of Stefanko’s actions.

The Legacy of Ashley Biggs

Ashley Biggs’ murder remains one of the most tragic cases in Ohio’s history. Her life was taken in a senseless act of violence fueled by personal vendetta and custody disputes. The case underscores the devastating consequences of domestic conflicts escalating into criminal actions.

Biggs’ family and friends continue to honor her memory, remembering her as a loving mother, a dedicated veteran, and a kind-hearted individual whose life was unjustly stolen. While justice has been served, the pain of her loss remains with those who loved her.

Conclusion

The murder of Ashley Biggs is a heartbreaking case that highlights the darkest aspects of human nature—jealousy, revenge, and calculated violence. Through years of legal battles, justice was eventually achieved, but the scars left on Biggs’ loved ones will never fully heal. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unresolved conflicts and the lengths to which some will go to eliminate those they see as obstacles.

As her family continues to grieve, they also fight to keep Ashley’s memory alive. The verdict against Erica Stefanko reaffirms that those who conspire to commit such heinous acts will be held accountable, no matter how long it takes.