Kendall County Coroner's Office

03/11/2026

Today we recognize National Funeral Director and Mortician Day.

The Kendall County Coroner’s Office would like to thank the funeral directors and morticians who serve Kendall County with compassion, professionalism, and dignity. Your work helps families through incredibly difficult moments, and we are grateful for the partnership we share in serving our community.

Thank you for all that you do.

03/06/2026

The Kendall County Coroner's Office has released its 2025 Annual Report to the public. This report summarizes the activities of the office during the previous calendar year and was presented to the Kendall County Board at the February meeting.

02/24/2026

Kendall County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal House Fire

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a house fire that resulted in the death of a woman, identified by the Kendall County Coroner’s Office as 75-year-old Sharleen R. Smith of Minooka.

Deputies responded to the 15000 block of Hanson Road in Minooka, unincorporated Seward Township, at 9:46 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, to assist the Lisbon Seward Fire Protection District with a report of a structure fire. The initial dispatch indicated a woman may still be inside and having difficulty exiting the residence. Upon arrival, the residence was fully engulfed, and first responders were unable to enter the structure. Once the fire had been contained and firefighters were able to enter the residence, they located Ms. Smith, who was deceased.

The investigation remains active and ongoing and is being conducted in collaboration with the Lisbon Seward Fire Protection District, the Kendall County Coroner’s Office, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The Kendall County Coroner’s Office is investigating, and the official cause and manner of death are pending further investigation and a forensic autopsy.

02/19/2026

UPDATE - KENDALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATING SHOOTING IN UNINCORPORATED OSWEGO TOWNSHIP

UPDATE: Kendall County, IL (February 19, 2026, 11:15 AM)

The Kendall County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased individual as Luis Manuel Chauran Escobar, a 22-year-old from Valencia, Venezuela. Identification was confirmed through fingerprint analysis with assistance from the Illinois State Police.

The individual, who had been detained since Sunday, February 15, 2026, has been released from custody without charges at this time pending further investigation.

Detectives continue to actively investigate this case and are pursuing every lead to ensure a thorough and complete investigation. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional information will be released when available.

Undersheriff Bobby Richardson stated, “This has been a very complex investigation thus far. Although there is still much to be done, I want to acknowledge the work of our deputies and investigators in their efforts to conduct a detailed and thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding this incident.”

Investigators would like to speak with anyone who attended the party or who may have information, photos, or video related to this incident. Please contact the Sheriff’s Office at [email protected]. Tips may also be submitted by calling 630-381-9TIP or emailing [email protected]. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at (630) 553-5999.

ORIGINAL: Kendall County, IL (February 16, 2026, 11:00 AM)

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in the 0–99 block of Palomino Lane in unincorporated Oswego Township.

On February 15, 2026, at approximately 12:25 p.m., the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Chicago Police Department regarding a 14-year-old female who had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. It was later determined that the juvenile had been struck by a bullet earlier that morning at a residence on Palomino Lane in Oswego Township. She was treated and released from a Chicago-area hospital. Based on the investigation thus far, the shooting is believed to have occurred between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Members of the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into the incident. A search warrant was obtained, with the assistance of the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office, for the residence on Palomino Lane. While executing the search warrant, deputies located a deceased male inside the residence. Sheriff’s Office investigators are working in coordination with the Kendall County Coroner’s Office to identify the individual.

Investigators have identified a potential person of interest who has been detained and is currently in custody; however, charges have not been filed at this time.

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Kendall County Major Crimes Task Force and the Kendall County Coroner’s Office on this investigation. The Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and pronounced the male deceased. The preliminary Coroner’s Office findings indicate the male sustained multiple gunshot wounds; however, the official cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and a forensic autopsy.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information or video related to this incident to contact the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office at [email protected]. Tips may also be submitted by calling 630-381-9TIP or by emailing [email protected]. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at (630) 553-5999.

This investigation remains in its early stages, and additional information will be released when available. At this time, the incident is not believed to be random, and this appears to be a targeted incident.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Kendall County Special Response Team and the Oswego Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

02/16/2026

KENDALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATING SHOOTING IN UNINCORPORATED OSWEGO TOWNSHIP

UPDATED: 2/16/2026 at 7:00 PM

Following additional investigation in coordination with the Coroner’s Office, the deceased individual located during the service of the search warrant, which was served at approximately 9:45 p.m. on February 15, 2026, has been identified as a 22-year-old male; however, the name is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, it appears a party took place at the residence on Saturday evening. It appears the shooting occurred between partygoers following the party on Sunday morning between approximately 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional information will be released when available. This incident is not believed to be random, and it appears to be a specifically targeted incident.

Detectives are looking to speak with anyone who may have been at the party or can provide information or video related to this incident. Please contact the Sheriff’s Office at [email protected]. Tips may also be submitted by calling 630-381-9TIP or by emailing [email protected]. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at (630) 553-5999.

ORIGINAL:

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in the 0–99 block of Palomino Lane in unincorporated Oswego Township.

On February 15, 2026, at approximately 12:25 p.m., the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Chicago Police Department regarding a 14-year-old female who had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. It was later determined that the juvenile had been struck by a bullet earlier that morning at a residence on Palomino Lane in Oswego Township. She was treated and released from a Chicago-area hospital. Based on the investigation thus far, the shooting is believed to have occurred between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Members of the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into the incident. A search warrant was obtained, with the assistance of the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office, for the residence on Palomino Lane. While executing the search warrant, deputies located a deceased male inside the residence. Sheriff’s Office investigators are working in coordination with the Kendall County Coroner’s Office to identify the individual.

Investigators have identified a potential person of interest who has been detained and is currently in custody; however, charges have not been filed at this time.

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Kendall County Major Crimes Task Force and the Kendall County Coroner’s Office on this investigation. The Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and pronounced the male deceased. The preliminary Coroner’s Office findings indicate the male sustained multiple gunshot wounds; however, the official cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and a forensic autopsy.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information or video related to this incident to contact the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office at [email protected]. Tips may also be submitted by calling 630-381-9TIP or by emailing [email protected]. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at (630) 553-5999.

This investigation remains in its early stages, and additional information will be released when available. At this time, the incident is not believed to be random, and this appears to be a targeted incident.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Kendall County Special Response Team and the Oswego Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

01/30/2026

NEWS RELEASE - 01/30/26 - Oswego House Explosion Fatalities

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, the Kendall County Coroner’s Office was notified by the Oswego Fire Protection District of a house explosion in the Fox Chase Subdivision in Oswego, Illinois. Fire personnel reported that two individuals were unaccounted for in the home. However, due to an active natural gas leak, a complete search could not be performed at that time.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., Oswego FPD officials informed our office that two individuals had been located in the debris of the residence. Upon arrival, Coroner’s Deputies pronounced both individuals deceased at the scene. Based on the preliminary investigation, the individuals were presumptively identified as:

• James Fitzmaurice Sr., a 64-year-old male of Oswego, Illinois
• Virgie Fitzmaurice, a 62-year-old female of Oswego, Illinois.

Due to the condition of the individuals, positive identification, as well as determination of cause and manner of death, will be pending further scientific analysis and a forensic autopsy.

No additional information is available at this time.

01/29/2026

Please see the attached press release regarding the death that occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Due to the active nature of this investigation, all inquiries should be directed to the Village of Oswego Police, IL, and no additional details are available from the Coroner's Office at this time.

"The Kendall County Coroner’s Office completed a forensic autopsy on Thursday, January 29, 2026, which indicated that the victim sustained multiple sharp force injuries. The Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Ashley A. Stewart, a 41-year-old female of Oswego."

Oswego Police Announce Charges in Homicide Investigation

Arrestee: DODD, Ryan D., 44 YOA, 2300 block of Pagosa Springs Dr, Aurora
Charges: First Degree Murder, Home Invasion, Armed Violence, Residential Burglary, Aggravated Stalking

[Oswego, IL] – The Oswego Police Department announce criminal charges have been filed in connection with a homicide that occurred on January 27, 2026.

On January 29, 2026, following consultation with the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office, the following charges have been approved against Ryan D. DODD, age 44, of Aurora, IL:
• First Degree Murder (Class M Felony)
• Home Invasion (Class X Felony)
• Armed Violence (Class X Felony)
• Residential Burglary (Class 1 Felony)
• Aggravated Stalking (Class 3 Felony)
Dodd was processed and booked at the Oswego Police Department and was transported to the Kendall County Jail where he remains in custody. He has a hearing on January 30, 2026.

At approximately 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Oswego Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Valentine Way. The caller reported that he believed his wife was in danger after observing, via home surveillance, a male subject run after his wife into their garage. The caller believed the male to be the wife’s 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.

The Kendall County Coroner’s Office completed a forensic autopsy on Thursday, January 29, 2026, which indicated that the victim sustained multiple sharp force injuries. The Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Ashley A. Stewart, a 41-year-old female of Oswego.

The Oswego Police Department would like to thank the residents who provided information related to this case as well as the Kendall County Major Crimes Task Force and Forensics Team, Aurora Police Department, Illinois State Police, Illinois Attorney General’s Office, KenCom Public Safety Dispatch, Kendall County Coroner’s Office, Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office, Montgomery Police Department, Oswego Fire Protection District, Plano Police Department, and the Yorkville Police Department for their assistance during this investigation.

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Updated Release - January 28, 2026 - Homicide Investigation

[Oswego, IL] - The Oswego Police Department is continuing its investigation of a homicide that occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

At approximately 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Oswego Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Valentine Way. The caller reported that he believed his wife was in danger after observing, via home surveillance, a male subject run after his wife into their garage. The caller believed the male to be the wife’s ex-husband.

Officers arrived on scene. and, upon entering the residence, located an unresponsive adult female. Oswego Fire Protection District Paramedics responded and subsequently pronounced the female deceased at the scene.

A witness reported seeing a male subject fleeing southbound across Wolfs Crossing Road. Officers immediately initiated a search of the area, which included drone surveillance and the use of canine search teams from the Aurora Police Department. Dispatch was also able to provide officers with a vehicle description and license plate number believed to be associated with the suspect.

At approximately 1:37 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle matching that description traveling southbound on Harvey Road near Hathaway Lane, driven by an individual matching the suspect’s description. A traffic stop was conducted near Rance Road and Pioneer Court, and the driver was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Oswego Police Department, where he is still in custody.

The Kendall County Major Crimes Task Force and Forensics Team were activated and are assisting with the investigation. The Kendall County Coroner’s Office will be conducting an autopsy on Thursday, January 29, 2026, to determine the cause and manner of death. Preliminary investigation indicates the suspect followed the victim into the garage and attacked her. Information related to the victim is not being released at this time.

Detectives have obtained multiple search warrants and have conducted a large area search with the assistance of members from the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, Yorkville Police Department, Montgomery Police Department, Plano Police Department, and the Oswego Fire Protection District. The investigation remains ongoing and police continue to work with the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Original Release - January 27, 2026 - Homicide Investigation

Oswego Police are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 400 block of Valentine Way on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Oswego Police were dispatched to a residence on Valentine Way at approximately 1:10 p.m. and found an unresponsive adult female. Oswego Fire Protection District paramedics responded and subsequently pronounced the female deceased at the scene.

A witness had reported seeing a male subject running southbound across Wolfs Crossing Road. Officers immediately initiated a search of the area, which included drone surveillance and the use of canine search teams from the Aurora Police Department. Dispatch was also able to provide officers with a vehicle description and license plate number believed to be associated with the suspect. An officer observed a vehicle matching that description driven by an individual matching the suspect’s description. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Oswego Police Department.

The Kendall County Major Crimes Task Force and Forensics Team were activated to assist with the investigation and processing of the scene. The Kendall County Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene. Cause and manner of death is pending further scientific study and forensic autopsy which will be performed on Thursday, January 29.

The investigation remains ongoing. This is an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public. Police are working with the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office to determine appropriate criminal charges. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

This news release is a summary of the facts known at this time. The information contained in this release is subject to change.

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01/28/2026

EXPANDED MEDICATION DROP BOX HOURS!

In response to overwhelming demand for after-hours access, we have extended the available hours for the Prescription Medication Drop Box located in the lobby of the Coroner's Office. This drop box will now be available Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

The Coroner's Office also continues to operate drop boxes at Village of Oswego Police, IL, Yorkville Police Department, Plano Illinois Police Department, Montgomery Police Department, Kendall County Sheriff's Office and Joliet Police Department West Substation. For more information on these drop boxes, or information on any of our Community Support & Harm Reduction Program initiatives, please visit https://takeback.kendallcoroner.org

01/22/2026

OFFICE CLOSURE

The Kendall County Coroner's Office will be closed to walk-in visitors on Friday, January 23, 2026, due to the forecasted weather.

Our staff will continue to be available by calling (630) 553-4200 during regular business hours, and will still respond to any emergencies.

We will reopen for regular business on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 9 a.m.

11/11/2025

Veterans Day 2025 🇺🇸

Today, the Kendall County Coroner’s Office honors and extends our deepest gratitude to all United States military veterans. Your service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our nation and its citizens represent the highest ideals of duty and honor.

We also wish to recognize the veterans within our own office who continue to serve the Kendall County community with distinction:

• William Sutton, Deputy Coroner / Investigator – United States Marine Corps and Purple Heart Recipient

• Terry Fenoglio, Deputy Coroner / Investigator – United States Army

• Allen Grobe, Transporter – United States Army

Their commitment to service—both in uniform and in their continued public service—reflects the values and professionalism we strive to uphold each day.

On behalf of the Kendall County Coroner’s Office, we thank all veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and service to our country.

11/03/2025

As always, our most recent prescription medication take-back event was a huge success! During the event, we were able to collect 93.9 pounds of prescription medications, 51.9 pounds of medical sharps, and 1.7 pounds of diabetic supplies for a grand total of 147.5 pounds of potentially hazardous items that were taken out of circulation.

If you missed this takeback day, we continue to collect prescription medications, medical sharps, and diabetic supplies for destruction or donation year-round at locations throughout the county. Visit takeback.kendallcoroner.org or call us at 630-553-4200 for more information.

We would also like to thank our long-term partners at Village of Oswego Police, IL, Kendall County Sheriff's Office, Yorkville Police Department, Plano Illinois Police Department, Joliet Police Department, and Montgomery Police Department for their continued support of our takeback program for the past 4 years!