Man Accused of Murdering Ex Over Custody Issues

Tragedy struck in Akron, Ohio, on Friday, when 25-year-old Ashley Biggs was found beaten and strangled to death. Police believe that her ex-boyfriend, Chad Cobb, 30, amubushed and killed her, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

Biggs had been dating a woman for the last three years, and had recently gained custody of her 6-year old daughter -- two things that reportedly enraged Cobb. Local LGBT activists say that Biggs' sexuality was an issue for Cobb.

Brittany Dunson, Brigg's partner, told Fox8 that a part of her has died. "She was my girlfriend. We were looking at rings, we were about to be engaged, she was my everything, my life."

Dunson told Fox8 that Biggs had a protection order against Cobb, who had pled guilty to domestic violence in 2005. "In a way, I knew it," Dunson said. "We've been so precautious of it. I knew she's always had that fear it would come to this."

Both neighbors and co-workers told police that Cobb had stalked Biggs and as their custody battle became more contentious, many feared violence.

Police told Phil Trexler of the Beacon Journal that Biggs, who was working as a pizza delivery driver, was falsely lured to a secluded business that was closed where they believe Cobb, who owns a cable installation company, ambushed and strangled her with a 4-foot-long zip tie last Thursday. Her body and vehicle were found hours later after co-workers reported her missing.

Cobb had custody of their daughter from 2007 to October 2011, according to court records. Several claims and allegations were filed after October, including one on the day of Biggs' murder, which, says Trexler, was a subpoena from Cobb's attorney to the Northeast Ohio Behavioral Health facility seeking medical and psychological records for his daughter.

An arraignment is slated for June 27, where Cobb will be charged with aggravated murder and kidnapping. Meanwhile he's being held at the Summit County Jail on a $1.5 million bond.