Police arrest ex-husband after Oswego home invasion killing

Crime scene tape marked “Do Not Cross,” used to secure active law-enforcement investigations. Photo by Jon ‘ShakataGaNai’ Davis, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

An Illinois man has been charged with first-degree murder after police say he stalked and fatally stabbed his ex-wife inside her Oswego home, a violent act that ended with his swift arrest. The killing of 41-year-old Ashley A. Stewart has shaken a quiet suburban community and renewed concerns about how domestic violence can escalate even after relationships end.

Authorities identified the suspect as 44-year-old Ryan D. Dodd of Aurora. Prosecutors say the attack occurred on January 27, 2026, and unfolded rapidly inside Stewart’s residence, leaving her dead at the scene despite a quick police response.

What Police Say Happened

According to Oswego police, officers were dispatched to Stewart’s home after her husband called 911 reporting an emergency. He told dispatchers he had viewed live home surveillance footage showing a man he believed was Stewart’s ex-husband chasing her into the garage.

When officers arrived, they found Stewart unresponsive inside the home. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later confirmed through an autopsy that she died from multiple sharp-force injuries, though officials avoided providing further detail out of respect for the victim and her family.

Charges and Arrest

Police said Dodd fled the area after the attack, prompting a brief search. He was located and taken into custody later that day without incident. Authorities credited surveillance footage, witness information, and rapid coordination between agencies for the quick arrest.

Dodd has been charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, armed violence, residential burglary, and aggravated stalking. Prosecutors allege he unlawfully entered the home and carried out the attack as part of a pattern of stalking behavior directed at Stewart.

The Human Impact

Friends and neighbors described Stewart as a devoted mother and partner whose death has left loved ones reeling. Her killing has cast a pall over the Oswego neighborhood, where residents said they were stunned to learn such violence occurred so close to home.

Police acknowledged the emotional toll these cases take on families and communities. Officials stressed that Stewart had done nothing wrong and that responsibility rests solely with the accused. Advocates say the case underscores how former partners can remain a serious threat even after a relationship has legally ended.

Broader Context and What Comes Next

Domestic violence experts note that stalking is a significant warning sign that can precede lethal violence. While authorities have not detailed Stewart’s prior interactions with law enforcement, they emphasized that aggravated stalking is among the most serious charges Dodd faces alongside murder.

Dodd remains in custody as the case moves through the court system. A judge will determine bond and scheduling in upcoming hearings. As the legal process unfolds, investigators said their focus remains on accountability and ensuring justice for Stewart.

Officials urged anyone experiencing stalking or domestic abuse to seek help and report threats early. While the outcome in this case cannot be undone, authorities say awareness and intervention remain critical in preventing future tragedies.

References: NBC Chicago | CBS News | abc7chicago.com