Husband Watches in Horror as Illinois Mother of Six Is Chased Into Her Home and Stabbed to Death by Ex-Husband, Police Say
OSWEGO, ILLINOIS — A suburban Chicago family was shattered in a matter of minutes after a woman was brutally chased into her own home and stabbed to death by her ex-husband — while her current husband watched the entire attack unfold live on their home security cameras, police say.
Attack Unfolds on Home Surveillance Cameras
According to Illinois authorities, the fatal attack happened shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday at a home in the 400 block of Valentine Way in Oswego, about 40 miles west of Chicago.
Police say 41-year-old Ashley Stewart, a mother of six, was returning home when her ex-husband, Ryan D. Dodd, 44, ambushed her outside. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Dodd hiding in bushes before suddenly chasing Stewart into her garage.
Stewart’s current husband was not at home at the time — but he was watching the live feed from the home’s security system.
Realizing what was happening, he immediately called 911, reporting a home invasion in progress and begging for help as he watched his wife flee for her life.
Victim Found Dead Before Officers Could Save Her
Police rushed to the residence, but when officers arrived, Stewart had already been stabbed multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say the husband immediately identified the attacker as Stewart’s ex-husband.
Within about 30 minutes of the killing, an officer spotted Dodd’s vehicle and took him into custody without incident.
Ex-Husband Charged With Murder and Multiple Felonies
Prosecutors have charged Dodd with a long list of serious felonies, including:
- First-degree murder
- Home invasion
- Armed violence
- Residential burglary
- Aggravated stalking
Authorities allege Dodd followed Stewart to her home and deliberately carried out the attack.
He is currently being held without bond at the Kendall County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 9.
Mother of Six Remembered as Devoted and Selfless
Stewart leaves behind six children, including a 2-year-old son.
A GoFundMe set up for the family described her as a devoted mother and wife whose loss has left an “immeasurable void.”
“She really, really loved her family. She loved her kids,” said friend Robin Ross in an interview with NBC affiliate WMAQ. “Nobody could ever mistake how much love she put into her family.”
Ross described Stewart as someone who would drop everything to help others and said her friend had a bright future ahead of her.
“She was a genuine, beautiful life spirit,” Ross said.
Community Left Reeling as Investigation Continues
Police have released surveillance images that allegedly show Dodd lurking outside the home before the attack. Investigators are continuing to review evidence, including video footage, as the case moves forward through the court system.
The killing has reignited concerns about domestic violence, stalking, and the dangers faced by victims even after leaving abusive relationships.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case, and should stalking laws carry harsher penalties before violence escalates? Share your thoughts and stay updated on breaking crime and public safety stories at CabarrusWeekly.com.
