Updated Release – Oswego Police Announce Charges in Homicide Investigation
Arrestee: DODD, Ryan D., 44 YOA, 2300 block of Pagosa Springs Dr, Aurora
Charges: First Degree Murder, Home Invasion, Armed Violence, Residential Burglary, Aggravated Stalking
[Oswego, IL] – The Oswego Police Department announce criminal charges have been filed in connection with a homicide that occurred on January 27, 2026.
On January 29, 2026, following consultation with the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office, the following charges have been approved against Ryan D. DODD, age 44, of Aurora, IL:
- First Degree Murder (Class M Felony)
- Home Invasion (Class X Felony)
- Armed Violence (Class X Felony)
- Residential Burglary (Class 1 Felony)
- Aggravated Stalking (Class 3 Felony)
Dodd was processed and booked at the Oswego Police Department and was transported to the Kendall County Jail where he remains in custody. He has a hearing on January 30, 2026.
At approximately 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Oswego Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Valentine Way. The caller reported that he believed his wife was in danger after observing, via home surveillance, a male subject run after his wife into their garage. The caller believed the male to be the wife’s ex-husband. The investigation determined that Dodd, who was the victim’s ex-husband, followed her as she entered her residence and attacked and killed her with a knife.
The Kendall County Coroner’s Office completed a forensic autopsy on Thursday, January 29, 2026, which indicated that the victim sustained multiple sharp force injuries. The Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Ashley A. Stewart, a 41-year-old female of Oswego
The Oswego Police Department would like to thank the residents who provided information related to this case as well as 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 for their assistance during this investigation.
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Updated Release - January 28, 2026 - Homicide Investigation
[Oswego, IL] - The Oswego Police Department is continuing its investigation of a homicide that occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
At approximately 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Oswego Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Valentine Way. The caller reported that he believed his wife was in danger after observing, via home surveillance, a male subject run after his wife into their garage. The caller believed the male to be the wife’s ex-husband.
Officers arrived on scene. and, upon entering the residence, located an unresponsive adult female. Oswego Fire Protection District Paramedics responded and subsequently pronounced the female deceased at the scene.
A witness reported seeing a male subject fleeing southbound across Wolfs Crossing Road. Officers immediately initiated a search of the area, which included drone surveillance and the use of canine search teams from the Aurora Police Department. Dispatch was also able to provide officers with a vehicle description and license plate number believed to be associated with the suspect.
At approximately 1:37 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle matching that description traveling southbound on Harvey Road near Hathaway Lane, driven by an individual matching the suspect’s description. A traffic stop was conducted near Rance Road and Pioneer Court, and the driver was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Oswego Police Department, where he is still in custody.
The Kendall County Major Crimes Task Force and Forensics Team were activated and are assisting with the investigation. The Kendall County Coroner’s Office will be conducting an autopsy on Thursday, January 29, 2026, to determine the cause and manner of death. Preliminary investigation indicates the suspect followed the victim into the garage and attacked her. Information related to the victim is not being released at this time.
Detectives have obtained multiple search warrants and have conducted a large area search with the assistance of members from the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, Yorkville Police Department, Montgomery Police Department, Plano Police Department, and the Oswego Fire Protection District. The investigation remains ongoing and police continue to work with the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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Original Release - January 27, 2026 - Homicide Investigation
Oswego Police are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 400 block of Valentine Way on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Oswego Police were dispatched to a residence on Valentine Way at approximately 1:10 p.m. and found an unresponsive adult female. Oswego Fire Protection District paramedics responded and subsequently pronounced the female deceased at the scene.
A witness had reported seeing a male subject running southbound across Wolfs Crossing Road. Officers immediately initiated a search of the area, which included drone surveillance and the use of canine search teams from the Aurora Police Department. Dispatch was also able to provide officers with a vehicle description and license plate number believed to be associated with the suspect. An officer observed a vehicle matching that description driven by an individual matching the suspect’s description. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Oswego Police Department.
The Kendall County Major Crimes Task Force and Forensics Team were activated to assist with the investigation and processing of the scene. The Kendall County Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene. Cause and manner of death is pending further scientific study and forensic autopsy which will be performed on Thursday, January 29.
The investigation remains ongoing. This is an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public. Police are working with the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine appropriate criminal charges. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
This news release is a summary of the facts known at this time. The information contained in this release is subject to change.
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