Oswego, Illinois – A man has been charged with the murder of his ex-wife following a tragic incident that unfolded in a suburban neighborhood. Ryan Dodd, 44, faces multiple felony counts, including first-degree murder, after police discovered the body of 41-year-old Ashley Stewart inside her home.
Authorities responded to a distress call Tuesday around 1:10 p.m. from a man who reported seeing Dodd pursuing Stewart in their garage through a home surveillance system. Upon arrival, law enforcement found Stewart unresponsive and later pronounced her dead at the scene. The preliminary investigation revealed that Dodd had forcibly entered her residence and attacked her using a knife.
Witnesses reported seeing a suspect fleeing the scene shortly after the attack, prompting a swift police response that included aerial search efforts and canine units. Dodd was apprehended less than 30 minutes after the incident. An autopsy confirmed that Stewart died from multiple stab wounds.
Dodd is currently held at the Kendall County Jail and is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday. The nature of the crime has sent shockwaves through the local community, which is grappling with the loss of a life taken so violently.
The investigation is ongoing as police and community members seek to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic event. Friends and family of Stewart have expressed their grief and disbelief, reflecting on the impact her life had on those around her.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information to come forward, as they piece together the events leading to the fatal confrontation. As the community mourns, the charges against Dodd serve as a reminder of the pervasive issues surrounding domestic violence and the urgency for awareness and prevention.