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A friend of an Illinois woman allegedly stabbed to death by her ex-husband has spoken out for the first time following the tragedy. Police in Oswego announced on Tuesday, Jan. 27, that 41-year-old Ashley Stewart, a mother of six, had been found dead inside her home.
Oswego Woman Killed, Ex-Husband in Custody
According to police, Stewart’s husband reported seeing a male subject following his wife into their garage via home security camera. Responding officers found Stewart “unresponsive” shortly after 1 p.m. local time, and paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Robin Ross, a friend of the victim, described Stewart to ABC7 Chicago as “a beacon of light.” A GoFundMe page has been established to support Stewart’s family, noting that her husband is now the sole provider for their two-year-old son, Syler, and Stewart’s other children.
Investigators identified the suspect as 44-year-old Ryan Dodd of Aurora, Illinois. Police stated that Dodd, Stewart’s ex-husband, followed her into the residence and attacked her with a knife. Following an autopsy, the Kendall County Coroner’s Office determined Stewart died from multiple “sharp-force injuries.”
Oswego police detained Dodd approximately a half hour after discovering Stewart’s body, after spotting his vehicle. He has been charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, armed violence, residential burglary, and aggravated stalking and remains in custody at the Kendall County Jail.
In a public statement shared on social media, Oswego police indicated the incident was isolated and posed no ongoing danger to the public. They also requested residents review security footage for any sightings of Dodd in the area following the incident and to report any suspicious items found on their property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the police responding to Ashley Stewart’s home?
Police responded after Ashley Stewart’s husband reported seeing a male subject, believed to be her ex-husband, following her into their garage via home security footage.
Who has been charged in connection with Ashley Stewart’s death?
Ryan Dodd, 44, of Aurora, Illinois, has been charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, armed violence, residential burglary, and aggravated stalking.
Where can individuals experiencing domestic violence find help?
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 or online at thehotline.org. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
How can communities better support victims of domestic violence and prevent future tragedies?
