On Friday, October 20th, 2023 at approximately 4:48 p.m., the Lassen County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center and the California Highway Patrol Dispatch Center received multiple 911 calls regarding an assault in Westwood, CA. Deputies from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the California Highway Patrol arrived on scene soon after the calls were made. Also on scene were Westwood Fire Department, Cal-Fire and an ambulance from SEMSA.
Upon arrival, a victim was located lying on the side of the road with significant head and facial injuries. Extensive life-saving efforts were made, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim was identified by his family as 62 year-old Westwood resident Marty Robert Ashley Sr. LCSO detectives were requested and immediately responded to the scene, as well as additional patrol deputies.
Multiple witnesses on scene, identified a potential suspect as 62-year-old Westwood resident Edward “Ed” Harold Biggs. Witnesses reported seeing Biggs and Ashley in a physical altercation. Biggs fled the scene in his vehicle, a red Toyota Tacoma pickup. A law enforcement BOLO (be on the lookout) broadcast went out for Biggs and his vehicle.
At approximately 5:56 p.m., Biggs’ vehicle was spotted by a CHP officer on Highway 36, near Manton Road in Dales, CA. CHP initiated a traffic stop on Highway 36 outside of Red Bluff, CA. Biggs was taken into custody without incident.
LCSO detectives responded to Red Bluff to collect evidence and interview Biggs. Biggs was booked into the Tehama County Jail for PC 187 – murder. This investigation is still active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the detectives unit at the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office.
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Susanville and Red Bluff CHP Offices, as well as the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office for their coordinated efforts in being able to take Biggs into custody without incident.
Sergeant Dustin Russell
Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
Photo: Tehama County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Booking Photo
