Suspect Arrested in Connection with Fatal Assault in Westwood
Lassen County authorities have announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the fatal assault of a Westwood man late last month.
According to a press release by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement agencies responded to multiple 911 calls reporting an assault in Westwood on the afternoon of Friday, October 20. The incident reportedly involved a physical altercation between two individuals, resulting in severe injuries to one party.
Upon arrival at the scene, responders discovered the victim, identified as 62-year-old Westwood resident Marty Robert Ashley Sr., with significant head and facial injuries. Despite extensive life-saving efforts by medical personnel, Ashley was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Witnesses at the scene provided information that led to the identification of 62-year-old Edward “Ed” Harold Biggs as the primary suspect. According to eyewitness accounts, Biggs was involved in the physical altercation with the victim and fled the scene in his red Toyota Tacoma pickup afterward. Law enforcement issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) alert for Biggs and his vehicle.
Just before 6 PM, a California Highway Patrol officer spotted Biggs’ vehicle on Highway 36, near Manton Road in Dales. The officer conducted a traffic stop outside of Red Bluff and Biggs was taken into custody without incident.
Lassen County Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to Red Bluff to collect evidence and interview Biggs. Biggs was then booked at the Tehama County jail on suspicion of murder.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the detectives unit at the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office.
