Docs: Woman able to escape alleged Illinois murderer after witnessing harrowing scene
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Note – Details of this story can be disturbing. Discretion is advised.

LASALLE COUNTY, Ill. — A Sheridan, Illinois woman on the verge of a kidnapping by an alleged double murderer was able to escape after witnessing a harrowing scene, according to court documents.

Officers were called to the 2400 block of North 42nd Road just after 12:50 a.m. Thursday on the report of shots fired.

Inside, authorities found the bodies of Sidney Schiltz, 42, and Melissa Vissman, 41, dead from gunshot wounds.

Court documents obtained by WGN News Friday paint a disturbing picture for the victims and two witnesses inside.

A witness named Steven told police that he lived down the street from Schiltz. He was at Schiltz’s residence with another witness Kalyn, who was Schiltz’s girlfriend.

They heard a knock at the door and the suspect Ronald Martin Jr., known to them at “junior,” entered the residence.

Another person knocked and victim Melissa Vissman, who reportedly was Martin Jr.’s girlfriend, came into the residence.

Melissa Vissman, courtesy family

Steven stated that he witnessed Martin Jr. shoot Schiltz in the back of the head with a small 9mm pistol after all three were talking in the living room.

Steven ran out of the front door after stating he saw Martin Jr. go toward the back of the home.

Inside a back bedroom was Kalyn.

Kayln told police she heard Vissman ask Martin Jr. “what are you doing?” and then heard gunshots. Documents state that Martin Jr. allegedly entered the room she was in and struck her in the head with the pistol.

Vissman also entered the room with a gunshot wound to the head, documents state.

Martin Jr. allegedly ordered Kayln to give him her cell phone and then asked where money and a gun were in the home.

She then told police she witnessed Martin Jr. shooting his girlfriend Vissman again, killing her.

A safe was allegedly taken by Martin Jr. and he carried it to Kayln’s vehicle while threatening her with the gun.

She told police that Martin Jr. told her they “needed to leave together.”

Ronald Martin Jr., courtesy LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office

Kalyn told Martin Jr. that they needed to find the first witness, Steven. Martin Jr. reportedly went to go kick in Steven’s door — which allowed Kalyn to escape by running away and hiding.

Shortly after, authorities stated that a fire was started at the home and they believe Martin Jr. intentionally set it.

The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office said just after 6:05 p.m. Thursday that he was taken into custody to face six charges of murder.

A manhunt ensued for him all day long with a heavy police response near and around the scene.

Details around how he was taken into custody are not available at this time.

Martin Jr. waived his right to a detention hearing Friday and remains in custody.

A GoFundMe is available to cover the cost of Vissman’s cremation. She leaves behind three young boys. The Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.

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