← Back to United States casesAshley Biggs, Grace, and others Murdered by Chad Cobb and Erica Stefanko, New Franklin, Ohio, United States
Case Summary
In June 2012, Ashley Biggs, a 25-year-old Army veteran and Domino's delivery driver, was lured to a fake pizza delivery address by her ex-boyfriend Chad Cobb during a bitter custody battle. Chad attacked and murdered Ashley using a taser and strangulation, then dumped her body in her car. Erica Stefanko, Chad's wife at the time, was involved in planning the murder by placing the fake order, driving Chad to and from the scene, and helping cover up the crime. Chad pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life without parole. Erica was convicted in 2020, had her conviction overturned on appeal, but was reconvicted in 2024 and sentenced to life with parole eligibility after 30 years. The case involved custody disputes, jealousy, and control, with Erica abusing Ashley's daughter Grace after the murder.
Basic Information
Country: United States
State/Province: Ohio, United States
City/Region: New Franklin
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Ex-husband
Relationship Duration:
Affair / New-Partner Context
Recorded context: Affair started / overlapping relationship
Reported initiator: Alleged suspect / offender
Relationship timing: During marriage or ongoing partnership, before separation
Incident Date: June 20, 2012
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Family introduction
Relationship Stages:
- Dating
- Married Living Together
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Domestic Violence Allegation
- Custody Dispute
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
Red Flags:
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Suspects identified
- Threats
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Motives:
- Revenge
- Children Custody
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
Relationship Outcomes:
- Divorce filed
- Divorce finalized
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide before divorce
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Family introduction
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Ex-husband
Stages
- Dating
- Married Living Together
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Suspects identified
- Threats
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Domestic Violence Allegation
- Custody Dispute
- Domestic Conflict
- Divorce / Separation
- Revenge
- Children Custody
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2012-06-20
Outcome
- Divorce filed
- Divorce finalized
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide before divorce
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Ashley Biggs, Grace, and others Murdered by Chad Cobb and Erica Stefanko, New Franklin, Ohio, United States
Coffee House Crime - USA · Original language: English
View original title
There's Something Wrong with Erica
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Custody Conflict
Pattern Analysis
The case centers on a bitter custody dispute between Ashley Biggs and Chad Cobb, complicated by domestic violence, jealousy, and control. Erica Stefanko, Chad's wife, actively participated in the murder plot, reflecting deep resentment and attempts to eliminate Ashley as a threat. The pattern includes domestic violence, custody conflict, and infidelity leading to a fatal escalation.
Investigative Notes
Police investigation revealed Chad Cobb as the primary offender with overwhelming evidence including bloodied clothes and zip ties. Erica Stefanko's involvement was confirmed through a secret recording by Cindy Cobb and testimony from multiple witnesses including Grace. Erica was arrested in 2019, convicted in 2020, had a retrial in 2024, and was reconvicted. Chad remains in prison for life without parole.
Investigation Confusion
Initial police believed Chad acted alone as he denied Erica's involvement. Erica's role was unclear until Chad's letter and Cindy Cobb's secret recording surfaced. The timing and extent of Erica's participation were disputed until corroborated by multiple sources.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Ashley was lured to a fake pizza delivery address placed by Erica. Chad attacked Ashley with a taser, strangled her with zip ties, and dumped her body in her car. Erica drove Chad to and from the scene and helped cover up the crime. The murder was motivated by custody conflict and jealousy. Evidence included blood, zip ties, a secret recording, and witness testimonies. Both offenders were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to history of domestic violence, custody disputes, and escalating hostility involving multiple parties. The involvement of a new partner in the murder plot increased danger significantly.
Key Takeaways
Custody disputes combined with domestic violence and jealousy can escalate to lethal violence. The involvement of a new partner in criminal acts can complicate investigations. Secret recordings and family testimonies can be critical evidence. Abuse of children in such contexts is a serious concern.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
History of domestic violence, custody battle tensions, Erica's hostility towards Ashley, and Chad's violent past were early signals.
Which clues helped connect the case?
Blood at the scene, missing car, zip ties matching those found on Ashley, Chad's bloodied clothes, secret recording by Cindy Cobb, and Grace's testimony were key clues.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Physical evidence (blood, zip ties), secret audio recording, witness testimonies including victim's daughter and Chad's confession were strongest evidence types.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Grace testified about Erica placing the pizza order and abusing her. Cindy Cobb secretly recorded Erica admitting involvement. Chad confessed to police and testified against Erica. Matthew Travis reported finding blood at the delivery location.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Erica's conviction was overturned on appeal leading to a retrial in 2024, where she was reconvicted. This changed the case status but not the ultimate conclusion.
What remained unclear?
Exact timing of Erica's involvement and her motivations beyond custody conflict remain partially unclear. The full extent of abuse towards Grace is not fully detailed.