Oswego murder: Friend speaks out after Aurora man Ryan Dodd charged with stabbing ex-wife Ashley Stewart to death in home invasion
OSWEGO, Ill. (WLS) — The friend of a woman allegedly killed by her ex-husband during a home invasion in Oswego calls her a kind, genuine person.
Ashley Stewart was murdered inside her west suburban home earlier this week, police said.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Investigators said her ex-husband, Ryan Dodd, stabbed her to death Tuesday in the 400-block of Valentine Way in Oswego.
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.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
