Man accused of killing ex-wife in her west suburban home could face life in prison

The suburban man accused of killing his ex-wife after she was found dead inside her Oswego home when police responded to a report that her husband saw her being chased on their home camera made his first appearance in court Friday.

Ashley Stewart was found dead inside her Oswego home Tuesday and her 44-year-old ex-husband, Ryan Dodd, has been charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, armed violence, residential burglary and aggravated stalking in connection with the killing.

Dodd appeared in court Friday in front of a Kendall County judge. He will be held in Kendall County until his next court date in March. If convicted, he could face natural life in prison.

Authorities responded to the west suburban home after Stewart’s husband called police to report he saw her being chased into their garage on their home surveillance camera by a man he believed was her 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,” police said in a release.

A manhunt involving drones and a canine teams ensued after a witness reported seeing man fleeing the area. Dodd was quickly located and taken into custody.

Robin Ross, a friend of Stewart, told NBC Chicago she is heartbroken over the loss.

“Ashley was a genuine, beautiful life spirit. She would drop anything she needed to do to help out anybody, no matter,” Ross said.

Ross also said Stewart, a mother of six, showed her family undeniable love.

“She really, really loved her family. She loved her kids,” Ross said. “Nobody could ever, ever mistake how much love she put into her family.”

Stewart was a major supporter of the birthing community, Ross said, and will be missed.

“Not only did this person take away the mother of six beautiful children, he took away my friend, he took away others friends,” Ross said. “He took away somebody who was genuinely trying to help others and had a bright future ahead of her.”