Authorities: Suspect Placed Tracking Device on Victim's Car Before Oswego Killing

Ryan Dodd charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, and other felonies in the death of his ex-wife Ashley A. Stewart.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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According to court documents, a man charged with killing his ex-wife inside her Oswego home had been using a GPS tracking device to monitor her whereabouts for weeks before the incident. Ryan Dodd, 44, of Aurora, was arrested on January 29 after Ashley A. Stewart, 41, was found stabbed to death in her home on January 27. Police found evidence that Dodd had placed a tracking device under the rear bumper of Stewart's vehicle and conducted multiple surveillance operations starting in mid-December.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of domestic violence and stalking, where perpetrators are using advanced technology to monitor and terrorize their victims. It also raises concerns about the need for stronger laws and enforcement to protect victims of domestic abuse, especially in cases where restraining orders have previously been issued.

The details

Court records state that Dodd had a GPS tracking device installed under the rear bumper of Stewart's 2022 black Ford Expedition. Police found four separate incidents of surveillance conducted by Dodd starting on December 14 and ending on January 21. Dodd had also been ordered by a judge to pay Stewart $15,000 per month in emergency temporary child support just a few weeks before the murder. On January 28, Oswego police executed a search warrant on Dodd's house in Aurora and found a black garbage bag containing clothing and a large fixed blade knife that matched the suspect seen in the victim's home surveillance video.

  • On December 14, there was a 'domestic incident' where Dodd showed up at Stewart's house unannounced.
  • On January 21, there was a 'citizen assist' where Stewart wanted information about an order of protection against Dodd.
  • On or about December 19, Dodd was ordered to pay $15,000 per month in emergency temporary child support.
  • On January 27, a caller identifying himself as Stewart's current husband called police after seeing a man run after his wife via home surveillance.
  • On January 28, Oswego police executed a search warrant on Dodd's house in Aurora.

The players

Ryan Dodd

A 44-year-old man from Aurora who has been charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, armed violence, residential burglary and aggravated stalking in the killing of his ex-wife Ashley A. Stewart.

Ashley A. Stewart

A 41-year-old woman who was found stabbed to death in her Oswego home on January 27.

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What they’re saying

“'We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.'”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ryan Dodd out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing issue of domestic violence and stalking, where perpetrators are using advanced technology to monitor and terrorize their victims. It raises concerns about the need for stronger laws and enforcement to protect victims of domestic abuse, especially in cases where restraining orders have previously been issued.