An Illinois man is facing multiple charges in the murder of his ex-wife after the victim’s current husband saw him allegedly stab her to death via home surveillance footage.
The Oswego Police Department announced in a news release on Thursday, January 29, that Ryan D. Dodd has been arrested and charged in the killing of his ex-wife, Ashley A. Stewart.
Stewart’s current husband called police on Tuesday, January 27, to report “that he believed his wife was in danger after observing, via home surveillance, a male subject run after his wife into their garage.” Police also said that the “caller believed the male to be the wife’s ex-husband.”
It appeared that Dodd, 44, followed Stewart into her home and attacked her with a knife. He also tried to conceal his identity by wearing a face mask and hat during the attack.
When officers arrived at the home, they found the woman unresponsive and she was later pronounced dead. The Kendall County Coroner’s Office completed a forensic autopsy and ultimately determined that Stewart died from multiple stab wounds.
Illinois Man Adam Beckerink Is Formally Charged With Wife’s 2024 Murder
Police confirmed that Dodd has been charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, armed violence, residential burglary and aggravated stalking.
Two days later, a witness reported to authorities that they saw Dodd running southbound across nearby Wolfs Crossing Road. Police were then able to track Dodd down and brought him into custody.
Dodd is currently in custody at the Kendall County Jail. He was scheduled to attend his first court hearing in his criminal case on Friday, January 30.
It is not currently clear if Dodd has retained legal representation or was asked to enter a plea at Friday’s hearing.
Not much has been publicly revealed about Dodd and Stewart’s relationship, including how long they were married, why they divorced and if they remained in contact after their split.
Before Dodd was found and arrested, police took to Facebook to ask the public for help as they tried to track down the killer.
Authorities asked residents in the Prescott Mill, Hudson Pointe and Echelon Oswego area to review surveillance footage that may have helped with the investigation. Additionally, residents who placed garbage cans at their curbs before the crime was committed were asked to report if anything was placed in their bins that did not belong to them.
The social media post also includes photos of the suspect bundled up while walking outside of the home, as well as a photo of his vehicle.
Illinois Woman Jumps From Moving Vehicle to Escape Abusive Boyfriend
The Oswego Police Department also thanked residents who provided information regarding the case in the news release.
The police department worked with the Kendall County Major Crimes Task Force and Forensics Team, Aurora Police Department, Illinois State Police, Illinois Attorney General’s Office, KenCom Public Safety Dispatch, Kendall County Coroner’s Office, Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office, Montgomery Police Department, Oswego Fire Protection District, Plano Police Department and the Yorkville Police Department amid the investigation.
The investigation into Stewart’s death remains ongoing.
