Ashford was a St. Louis resident and a former student at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. On April 28, 1998 he was visiting a residence hall on campus. Witnesses state that he received a page, made a phone call, and stated to the person on the phone that he would meet them outside. Ashford was seen entering a vehicle in the 800 block of Chestnut Street in Jefferson City, leaving his own vehicle behind.