cover of episode Episode 212

Episode 212

2022/5/30
logo of podcast Sword and Scale

Sword and Scale

AI Insights AI Chapters Transcript
Key Insights

What led to the discovery of Ashley Biggs' body in the cornfield?

Patricia, a local resident, noticed a metallic object in her cornfield and reported it to the sheriff's office. The deputy sheriff investigated and found Ashley's body in a gray sedan, bound with zip ties and taser wires.

What evidence linked Chad Cobb to Ashley Biggs' murder?

Chad was linked to the murder through the zip tie found around Ashley's neck, which matched the type he used in his cable business. Additionally, taser wires found on Ashley's body were consistent with Chad's known possession of a taser.

Why did Ashley Biggs join the Army?

Ashley joined the Army to better herself and provide for her daughter, Grace, after struggling to make ends meet with multiple jobs and a tumultuous relationship with Chad Cobb.

What role did Erica Stefanko play in Ashley Biggs' murder?

Erica made the phone call to order the pizza that lured Ashley to the location where she was killed. She also drove Chad to the scene and helped him escape after the murder, though her direct involvement in the killing was not proven.

What was the outcome of Erica Stefanko's trial?

Erica Stefanko was found guilty of aggravated murder and murder with purpose in November 2020. She was sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole in 30 years.

How did Chad Cobb describe his actions on the night of Ashley Biggs' murder?

Chad claimed he had to leave the scene with Ashley's body to find a safe place, stating he struggled to get her into the car. He was vague about the details but admitted to using a taser and a diving knife.

What was the significance of the stickers found on Chad Cobb's vehicle?

The stickers on Chad's vehicle depicted a family, but the man and woman were missing. They were placed on a fence in a way that showed the man beating the woman, symbolizing the abusive nature of Chad and Erica's relationship.

What was Ashley Biggs' relationship with Chad Cobb like before her murder?

Ashley and Chad had a tumultuous relationship marked by abuse and control. Chad was physically and emotionally abusive, and Ashley often sought refuge with her mother or at battered women's shelters.

What was the impact of Ashley Biggs' murder on her daughter, Grace?

Grace, who was 15 at the time of her mother's death, suffered abuse at the hands of her stepmother, Erica, including being forced to eat dog feces. She now lives with her paternal grandparents, while her father, Chad, is in prison.

What message did Kimberly Biggs, Ashley's mother, want to share after her daughter's murder?

Kimberly urged people to be aware of domestic violence and to support victims by asking questions and digging deeper into their situations. She emphasized the importance of spreading Ashley's kindness and goodness to honor her memory.

Shownotes Transcript

It wasn’t an easy life for Ashley Biggs, a young woman from Ohio. Raised by her single mother and her grandmother, she suffered abuse in school for her sexual orientation. The ridicule only escalated when she became pregnant. Ashley quit school, had the baby girl, and enlisted in the army. When she returned, she would find that one of her haters was closer to home than she had imagined, and this hater was out to destroy her life. How far would they go? And would they get away with it?