The case of Chad Cobb, an Ohio man convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend Ashley Biggs in 2012, has taken a new turn. Over a decade after pleading guilty and accepting a life sentence without parole, Cobb is now seeking to withdraw his plea, claiming he was misled by his attorney. This new development raises questions about the legal process and the motivations behind Cobb’s initial decision.
The Original Plea and the Motivation Behind It
In 2013, Cobb pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, kidnapping, domestic violence, aggravated robbery, felonious assault, retaliation, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and possession of criminal tools. He accepted a life sentence without the possibility of parole, seemingly to avoid the death penalty. The state maintains that Cobb knowingly waived his right to a trial, making a calculated decision to accept the life sentence.
Cobb’s Claims of Misrepresentation
However, at a recent hearing, Cobb testified that his attorney misinformed him about the implications of his plea on his parental rights. He claims he was told that if he didn’t plead guilty, his children, including the six-year-old daughter he shared with Biggs, would be put up for adoption and lost in the system. He feared their names would be changed and he would lose all contact with them. Cobb asserts that this fear, primarily driven by his desire for his own parents and grandparents to maintain a relationship with his children, motivated his decision to plead guilty. He claims he believed the guilty plea would allow him to stay connected to his children.
The Gruesome Details of Ashley Biggs’ Murder
Ashley Biggs, a 25-year-old Army veteran and Domino’s Pizza delivery driver, was murdered on June 20, 2012. Cobb’s then-wife, Erica Stefanko, lured Biggs to a deserted office parking lot with a fake pizza order. Upon arrival, Biggs was ambushed by Cobb, who tased, beat, and strangled her to death with a zip tie. Her body was then placed in the back of a car and abandoned in a cornfield.
The Role of Erica Stefanko
Stefanko’s involvement in the murder led to two trials, both of which were covered by Court TV. In her retrial earlier this year, Stefanko was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. During both trials, Cobb testified against Stefanko, claiming he assaulted Biggs, but that Stefanko delivered the fatal blow by strangling her. Cobb further testified that he was unaware he could have pleaded not guilty and still retained his parental rights until after he entered his guilty plea. The State, however, contends Cobb willingly entered the plea to allow Stefanko to raise the children. Following Cobb’s guilty plea in 2013, Stefanko divorced him and later married and had a child with Cobb’s best friend before her arrest.
Legal Implications and the Future of the Case
The judge presiding over Cobb’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea has yet to issue a ruling. A decision is expected in the coming weeks. The outcome of this case will significantly impact Cobb’s future and could potentially lead to a new trial, revisiting the horrific details of Ashley Biggs’ murder. This complex case raises important questions about the legal system, the role of legal counsel, and the difficult choices individuals face under duress. The upcoming decision will be closely watched by legal experts and the public alike.
The Aftermath and Pending Decision
Cobb’s daughter is now 19 years old. The judge’s decision regarding Cobb’s motion will have significant implications, potentially leading to a retrial and reopening the investigation into the murder of Ashley Biggs. The court’s decision will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on all those involved in this tragic case. The legal community and the public will eagerly await the judge’s decision, which could rewrite the final chapter of this complex and heartbreaking story.
