LaSalle County double murder: Sheridan victims ID'd as Sidney Schlitz, Melissa Vissman; Suspect Ronald Martin in custody
Share this @internewscast.com

SHERIDAN, Ill. (WLS) — A day long manhunt ended Thursday, after a double murder and house fire in the village of Sheridan in LaSalle County.

Investigators are interviewing the 45-year-old suspect to figure out why the tragedy happened.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Legal records reveal that Ronald Martin from Sheridan faces charges for shooting two individuals, whom authorities named as Sidney Schlitz and Melissa Vissman.

The 45-year-old was arrested after a manhunt that lasted several hours. He was discovered concealed in the underbrush on his family’s rural property in LaSalle, situated approximately 30 miles from the location of the crime.

“We secured a search warrant for a location in LaSalle on East 3rd Road,” stated LaSalle County Undersheriff David Ortiz. “The area contained vehicles, trailers, and buildings owned by the Martin family. The suspect was located hiding and was apprehended without any trouble.”

At a press conference Friday morning, prosecutors said Martin had a dating relationship with Vissman.

“The house was dealing with a lot of narcotics, money so it may be an argument over theft, stealing of drugs or money/ We don’t know that,” LaSalle County State’s Attorney John Navarro said.

Martin now faces six counts of murder charges.

Sheriff’s deputies said this all unfolded after two people were found dead at this home in Sheridan

Just after 1 a.m. Thursday police got reports of shots fired and later reports about a fire at the home. Once the fire was out, police found the two victims.

Sheriff’s deputies said two other people said they escaped, one was injured by shrapnel.

Investigators said Martin drove away in a red Dodge Ram pickup truck. But they tracked him down to a large lot owned by his family, with help from U.S. Marshals and Illinois State Police.

“With the help of air ops, which is the Illinois State Police plane, basically, up in the sky we were able to locate his vehicle on the property,” Undersheriff Ortiz said.

Martin waived his right for an immediate hearing for a pre–trial release and is scheduled to appear in court in August 21.

Authorities said there are two eyewitnesses who were home at the time of the shooting.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Mom of Virginia high schoolers where illegal alien allegedly groped girls outraged: 'terrifying as a parent'

Virginia High School Incident Sparks Outrage: Parent Voices Fear Over Alleged Groping by Undocumented Individual

In Fairfax County, Virginia, a growing tide of parental concern has emerged…
Nancy Guthrie sheriff confirms they're investigating mystery activity at her home weeks before her kidnapping

Authorities Probe Unusual Incidents at Nancy Guthrie’s Home Prior to Her Disappearance

The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has taken a new…
Pima County sheriff warns in NBC interview DNA tech issues in Nancy Guthrie case may take ‘months’ to resolve

Sheriff Addresses Mistakes in Nancy Guthrie Investigation, Urges Captor to Release Her as Family Seeks Assistance

As the search for Nancy Guthrie approaches the two-month mark, the leading…
DeSantis doesn’t rule out a 2028 presidential run: ‘We’ll see’ 

DeSantis Hints at Potential 2028 Presidential Bid: “We’ll See

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently hinted at the possibility of another bid…
Sheaves Slate, charged in death of Michael Altman, Chicago firefighter killed in Rogers Park fire, detained pending trial

Sheaves Slate Detained: Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman’s Death Sparks Legal Proceedings in Rogers Park Tragedy

In Chicago, a man facing charges of arson and murder related to…
Confessed hitman in Jared Bridegan murder-for-hire case gets motion approved to withdraw guilty plea

Jared Bridegan Case: Alleged Hitman Maintains Innocence in Latest Court Appearance

Henry Tenon, implicated in a contract killing related to the death of…
Raging debate around use of license plate readers, Flock cameras: Are they advancing safety or violating privacy?

Controversy Erupts: Do License Plate Readers and Flock Cameras Enhance Safety or Threaten Privacy?

If you’re a car owner and driver in Illinois, it’s highly likely…
Body of missing California teen Brian Gallardo found in Truckee River after drowning in Floriston

Tragic Discovery: Missing California Teen Brian Gallardo’s Body Recovered from Truckee River After Floriston Drowning

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the recovery of a California…
Preliminary magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean, USGS says

Powerful 7.6 Earthquake Rocks South Pacific Near Tonga, Reports USGS

A significant earthquake, initially gauged at a magnitude of 7.6, shook the…
US Central Command touts continued strikes on Iran after Trump pauses attacks on energy targets

US Central Command Highlights Ongoing Strikes on Iran Following Trump’s Temporary Halt on Energy Target Attacks

WASHINGTON — The United States continues its strategic military actions against Iran,…
Cartels fear US retaliation as Trump-era pressure reshapes strategy: 'They fear the United States'

Unveiling America’s Counter Cartel Coalition: U.S. Strategy Targets Narco-Terrorism, Challenges China and Global Threats

FIRST ON FOX: The U.S. is rolling out a comprehensive security initiative…
Iran conflict tests Pakistan amid own border clashes as Islamabad touted as venue for US-Tehran talks

Pakistan Faces Diplomatic Challenge: Iran Conflict and Border Clashes Amid Potential US-Tehran Talks

With the conflict in Iran escalating, Pakistan finds itself in a precarious…