Husband Witnessed Wife's Murder on Home Security Camera in Illinois
A terrified husband watched helplessly via a home security camera as his wife's ex-partner barged into their Illinois residence and stabbed her to death, according to police reports. The horrific incident unfolded in Oswego, approximately an hour outside of Chicago, on Tuesday afternoon.
Fatal Attack Witnessed Remotely
Ashley Stewart, 41, was discovered suffering from multiple stab wounds inside her family home around 1pm. Her husband, Adam Stewart, had called emergency services after witnessing a man he believed to be her ex-partner, Ryan Dodd, chasing her into their garage on live surveillance footage.
Authorities rushed to the scene, but upon arrival, the mother-of-six was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the location. The Oswego Police Department confirmed the tragic outcome despite their rapid response.
Swift Arrest Through Drone and Canine Teams
Ryan Dodd, 44, was arrested approximately thirty minutes later with assistance from drone surveillance and canine search teams. Police located his vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and took him into custody without further incident.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Dodd had followed Ashley as she entered her residence before attacking and killing her with a knife. Police released photographs appearing to show Dodd hiding behind bushes and surveilling the couple's home around the time of the murder.
Eerie Surveillance Images Released
The department shared images depicting Dodd wearing a black jacket, gray scarf, gray hat, and a face covering while standing in the snowy yard. Authorities also posted a picture of his gray SUV on social media, appealing for public assistance in locating him prior to his apprehension.
It remains unclear how long Dodd and Ashley were married or when their divorce was finalized. The former couple shared multiple children together, who are now without either biological parent according to a GoFundMe page established for the family.
Remembered as a Devoted Mother and Wife
Ashley has been remembered as a loving mother to her six children, including a two-year-old son she shared with Adam. The fundraising page described her as a devoted wife and loving mother whose loss has created an immeasurable void.
Her heartbroken friend Robin Ross, who also served as Ashley's doula, told media outlets that Ashley was a wonderful person passionate about the birthing community. "She really, really loved her family. She loved her kids. Nobody could ever, ever mistake how much love she put into her family," Ross stated.
Ross continued emotionally: "Not only did this person take away the mother of six beautiful children, he took away my friend, he took away others' friends. He took away somebody who was genuinely trying to help others and had a bright future ahead of her."
Community Mourning and Legal Proceedings
Friends took to social media to express their grief, with one posting: "My friend was murdered. By the hand of her ex husband. One she was so strong to walk away from and endured so much at the hands of. Only for this. The shock has still not worn off."
The GoFundMe campaign created to help Adam navigate life for himself and the children without his beloved wife had raised more than $52,000 by Monday morning, demonstrating significant community support.
Dodd has been charged with multiple offenses including first-degree murder, home invasion, armed violence, residential burglary, and aggravated stalking. He made his initial court appearance on Friday and is being held at Kendall County Jail, with his next court date scheduled for February 9 according to legal records.
