Oswego Tragedy: Friend Breaks Silence as Aurora Man Ryan Dodd Charged in Ex-Wife Ashley Stewart’s Fatal Stabbing

In a tragic turn of events, a community in Oswego, Illinois, is mourning the loss of Ashley Stewart, a woman remembered by friends as a kind and genuine soul. Her life was abruptly cut short earlier this week in what police are calling a brutal home invasion.

Authorities report that on Tuesday, Stewart was fatally stabbed inside her residence located on the 400-block of Valentine Way. The alleged perpetrator, her ex-husband Ryan Dodd, is now facing serious charges, including first-degree murder, home invasion, armed violence, residential burglary, and aggravated stalking.

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The Kendall County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Stewart’s death was the result of multiple stab wounds, underscoring the violent nature of the attack. As the investigation unfolds, those who knew Ashley Stewart are left to grapple with the loss of a cherished friend and community member.

The Kendall County Coroner’s Office said Stewart died from multiple stab wounds.

Dodd has been charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, armed violence, residential burglary and aggravated stalking, Oswego police said.

A friend of Stewart, Robin Ross, spoke with ABC7 about her on Friday.

“Ashley was a beacon of light,” Ross said.

Stewart leaves behind six children and her current husband.

Also Friday, Dodd made an appearance in court. His next court date was scheduled for March 9.

OPD asked residents in the Prescott Mill, Hudson Pointe, and Echelon Oswego area to review surveillance footage related to the investigation.

Police also asked neighbors to look in their yards and garbage cans for any items that could be linked to the investigation.