Following a violent incident in Sheridan, Illinois, Ronald W. Martin, 45, is in custody after two people were found dead in a shooting and house fire on Thursday morning. According to CBS News Chicago, the two victims were identified as Sidney Schiltz and Melissa Vissman, with Vissman reportedly having had a "dating relationship" with Martin. The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, accompanied by the Illinois State Police and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force, apprehended Martin without incident on family property after a manhunt was initiated.
An initial call to law enforcement recorded shots fired around 1 a.m., soon followed by another call regarding a fire at the same address. LaSalle County undersheriff David Ortiz described the situation following Martin's arrest, "The threat has been taken away. He’s off the street and he’s in custody," WGN-TV reported. Autopsies are scheduled to confirm the causes of death for the two individuals, with prosecutors indicating that one of the victims succumbed to a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
Martin, who has a prior criminal record that includes robbery and aggravated assault, according to prosecutors, now faces six counts of first-degree murder. The investigation also suggests an argument tied to narcotics and money dealings at the house as a possible motive. A resident witnessed the law enforcement response, with Nancy Stadler commenting to WGN-TV, "[There were] flashing lights. The streets were closed off and there were cars up and down the road."
In addition to the fatalities, two others were present at the time of the incident. One managed to escape and call 911 for help, while the other was taken to the hospital; they were not shot. Although Martin's brother, who was also at the scene and has a past murder conviction, is being questioned, prosecutors are still considering whether to press charges against him. Martin is slated to return to court for a detention hearing on Aug. 21, and if convicted, faces a mandatory sentence of natural life in prison, according to the information obtained by CBS News Chicago.
