Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime Episode: Ashley Pegram // 489
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Hosts: Teeth Merryman & Daphne Woolsoncroft
Produced by: Dark West Productions

Introduction

In episode 489 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Teeth Merryman and Daphne Woolsoncroft delve into the harrowing case of Ashley Pegram, a 28-year-old mother whose life was tragically cut short under mysterious circumstances. Recommended by a listener named Alex, this episode unpacks a series of unfortunate events leading to Ashley's disappearance and subsequent murder, highlighting the intricate investigation that ultimately brought her perpetrator to justice.

Background of Ashley Pegram

Ashley Pegram, born on April 25, 1986, in Somerville, South Carolina, was a devoted mother to three young children. Raised in a large, blended family, she was especially close to her sister, Brandy, who described Ashley as "a ray of sunshine" and "the best sister" ([02:54] Daphne). Despite enduring familial tragedies, including the loss of her half-sister Jeannie at just 11 months old, Ashley was known for her kindness and gentle nature.

Following a difficult divorce, Ashley began dating again, meeting John Mitchell Jr., whom her mother, Rayma, called "the love of Ashley's life." Their happiness was short-lived when John tragically died in a car accident on January 12, 2015, deeply affecting Ashley and her young children.

Ashley’s Return to the Dating Scene

Seeking solace and distraction, Ashley re-entered the dating world, connecting with various men online. Her mother noted that Ashley wasn’t seeking long-term relationships but enjoyed the excitement of meeting new people ([07:07] Teeth). However, her experiences took a dark turn with unsettling encounters:

1. First Incident: At a house party with a man from a dating app, Ashley was accused of being too drunk. The man pulled a gun on her before ejecting her from the party ([09:19] Daphne).
2. Second Incident: On a camping trip with another man, Ashley was unjustly accused of stealing his wallet, leading him to cut the trip short and drive her back home ([09:42] Teeth).

These experiences prompted Ashley to take a break from dating apps, yet she maintained a promising connection with Edward Bonilla Jr., whom she met on the MeetMe app under the screen name "Emoneybon."

The Night of Disappearance

On the evening of Friday, April 3, 2015, Ashley met Edward for the first time after several weeks of online communication. Unlike previous dates, Ashley's sister Brandy wasn't present to vet Edward due to Brandy being out of town. Ashley left home at 9:18 PM without her personal cell phone, opting to share one with her family. The pair headed to a bonfire at Lindsay Diaz's residence in Goose Creek.

Key Events:

• Arrival at the Bonfire: Edward arrived with Ashley, who appeared sober, contradicting his later claims ([17:38] Teeth).
• Departure: They left the bonfire around 11:45 PM. Ashley claimed she wasn't intoxicated, while Edward insisted she was, leading their departure ([18:54] Teeth).
• Gas Station Stop: Between 12:30 AM and 1:02 AM, Edward's phone pinged near Ashley's home, suggesting they were close to a mobile home park where Edward claimed to have left her ([26:18] Teeth).

The next morning, Ashley failed to return home or communicate, sparking immediate concern from her family.

Initial Investigation and Edward Bonilla’s Suspicious Behavior

Ashley’s disappearance quickly raised red flags due to Edward’s inconsistent statements and suspicious behavior:

• Inconsistent Accounts: Edward initially claimed to have dropped Ashley at a Sunoco gas station, later altering his story to say he left her near a mobile home park ([14:07] Daphne).
• Employment Lies: Edward falsely stated he was injured and out of work, a claim disproven when his employer confirmed he had been actively working for the past eight months ([21:58] Daphne).
• Vehicle Evidence:
  • Hyundai Sonata: Edward's blue Hyundai Sonata, last seen with Ashley, was exchanged for a silver Chevy Cruze shortly after her disappearance ([26:48] Daphne).
  • Ford Econoline Van: Found with red blood splatters matching Ashley’s DNA and paint thinner stained with blood ([26:18] Teeth).

Notable Quotes:

• Teeth: "[...] he did not knock on the door to pick her up and instead waited outside for Ashley to come and meet him." ([10:56])
• Daphne: "This is just making them look into him further." ([24:11])

Breakthroughs in the Investigation

Detectives uncovered critical evidence that tied Edward directly to Ashley's disappearance:

• DNA Evidence: Blood corresponding to Ashley was found in Edward’s van and Hyundai Sonata.
• Surveillance Footage: Cameras captured Edward near Ashley’s home and later seen leaving with another vehicle ([26:18] Teeth).
• Footprints: A dirt footprint near the Sonata indicated a struggle ([28:47] Daphne).
• Mother’s Involvement: Edward's mother exchanged his Sonata shortly after Ashley's disappearance, raising further suspicions ([26:48] Daphne).

Notable Quotes:

• Teeth: "So investigators came to believe that he had beaten or even killed Ashley in or near the Sonata." ([26:48])
• Daphne: "He was skillfully trying to paint Ashley as too drunk to handle." ([28:47])

Arrest and Trial

On April 15, 2015, Edward Bonilla was arrested for obstruction of justice. During his arrest, he attempted to flee, bolstering suspicions of his involvement.

Trial Highlights:

• Testimony: Edward took the stand, claiming Ashley was too drunk and violent, leading to her accidental death ([43:59] Daphne).
• Cross-Examination: His inconsistent and implausible statements, such as the dual bathroom stop times, undermined his credibility ([39:26] Teeth).
• Evidence Presentation: Detectives presented forensic evidence, including DNA matches and bloodstains, proving his role in Ashley’s murder.
• Verdict: Edward was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole on August 11, 2016 ([46:35] Teeth).

Notable Quotes:

• Teeth: "You made the bad choice of murdering somebody because you wanted to sexually assault them." ([46:41])
• Daphne: “He was trying to blame Ashley, which was insane.” ([44:12])

Conclusion and Aftermath

Ashley Pegram’s case highlights the intricate dynamics of deceptive behavior and the relentless pursuit of justice by diligent law enforcement. Despite initial obstacles, including Ashley’s lack of a personal cell phone, the investigation meticulously unraveled Edward Bonilla’s lies and evident guilt.

Family Impact: The Pegram family was left devastated, grappling with the loss of a beloved mother and sister. The trial was particularly traumatic, with family members expressing profound disbelief and sorrow over Edward’s manipulative testimony ([44:17] Teeth).

Final Remarks: Hosts Teeth and Daphne commend the detectives for their perseverance and attention to detail, ensuring that justice was served. They also emphasize the importance of community involvement in recommending and supporting crucial cases.

Notable Quotes:

• Daphne: “Good on the detectives for really pushing here and catching Edward in all of those lies to at least bring her family some semblance of justice.” ([48:53] Daphne)
• Teeth: “Thankfully, he was caught in all those lies and is rightfully in prison.” ([48:31] Teeth)

Key Takeaways

• Importance of Consistency in Alibis: Edward Bonilla’s conflicting stories about his whereabouts played a significant role in unraveling the truth.
• Forensic Evidence is Crucial: DNA matches and bloodstain analysis were pivotal in convicting Edward.
• Community Vigilance: Family and community members actively participated in the investigation, showcasing the power of collective effort in solving crimes.
• Impact of Deception: Edward’s multiple lies and deceitful behavior ultimately led to his downfall, reinforcing the adage that the truth often surfaces despite attempts to conceal it.

Final Thoughts

The Ashley Pegram case is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the lengths to which individuals will go to seek justice. Hosts Teeth and Daphne effectively narrate this true crime story, underscoring the resilience of a family in the face of unimaginable loss and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to uncover the truth.