SHERIDAN, Ill. — Ronald W. Martin Jr., 45, of Sheridan, has been charged with multiple counts of first degree murder, armed robbery, residential arson, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon in connection with the July 17, 2025 shooting deaths of Sidney Schiltz, 42, and Melissa Vissman, 41, and the subsequent fire at a Sheridan residence. The case is being prosecuted in LaSalle County Circuit Court under case number 2025CF000298.
By Willow Moss | Moss and Ink | First published July 18, 2025, updated June 14th, 2026
Case Status
- Current status: Charged; awaiting trial
- Next court date: March 5, 2026 — status hearing
- Custody status: Held without bond at LaSalle County Jail
- Case number: 2025CF000298
- Court: LaSalle County Circuit Court
- Presiding judge: Ryan
- Last updated: June 14th, 2026
Incident Summary
In the early morning hours of July 17, 2025, a double homicide and arson rocked the small village of Sheridan in LaSalle County, Illinois. LaSalle County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call of shots fired at a residence on North 42nd Road shortly after 1:00 a.m. Approximately 25 minutes later, the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the same address for a fully-involved structure fire. After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters and investigators discovered the bodies of Sidney Schiltz, 42, of Sheridan, and Melissa Vissman, 41, of Ottawa inside the burned home. Both had died from multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities allege Ronald W. Martin Jr., 45, shot the victims, stole a safe containing cash and narcotics, and then set the house on fire to conceal evidence before fleeing.
Victim Information
- Sidney “Sid” Schiltz, 42, Sheridan resident
- Melissa Vissman, 41, Ottawa resident; reportedly in a romantic relationship with the suspect. Both victims leave behind three children each.
Suspect Background
- Ronald W. Martin Jr., 45, of Sheridan
- Prior criminal history includes robbery and aggravated assault
- Martin’s brother was present at the scene and remains under investigation (no charges filed as of November 2025)
Arrest & Charges
- Arrested: July 17, 2025, approximately 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Hiding in brush on family-owned property near LaSalle, ~30 miles from the crime scene
- Agencies involved: LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, U.S. Marshals
- Custody: Held without bond at LaSalle County Jail, awaiting trial
| Count | Charge | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 1–6 | First Degree Murder (Intent to Kill/Injure) | Class M Felony |
| 7–9 | First Degree Murder (additional counts added Nov 4) | Class M Felony |
| 10 | Armed Robbery (armed with firearm) | Class X Felony (15-year mandatory add-on) |
| 11 | Residential Arson | Class 1 Felony |
| 12 | Possession of Weapon by Previously Convicted Felon | Felony |
If convicted on the murder counts, Martin faces mandatory natural life in prison with no possibility of parole.
Cause of Death
Per the LaSalle County Coroner’s Office (preliminary, pending final toxicology): Both victims died of multiple gunshot wounds; manner of death ruled homicide.
Case Timeline & Proceedings
July 17, 2025 — Incident and arrest
Double homicide and arson reported on North 42nd Road in Sheridan. Martin arrested the same evening, ~6:00 p.m., hiding on family-owned property near LaSalle.
July 2025 — Initial appearance
Initial appearance held; public defender appointed.
Aug. 1, 2025 — Continuance
Defense requested a continuance due to the volume of discovery (500+ videos).
Aug. 15, 2025 — Status hearing; private counsel retained
Chicago attorney William “Bill” Wolf retained to take over the defense; Martin allowed civilian clothing in court.
Sep. 24, 2025 — Detention hearing
Martin ordered to remain in custody; previous trial date stricken/vacated.
Nov. 4, 2025 — Additional charges filed
Four additional murder counts plus armed robbery and arson formally filed.
Nov. 14, 2025 — Motion hearing
Motion hearing held in LaSalle County Circuit Court.
Jan. 23, 2026 — Status hearing
Status hearing held; cause continued until March 5, 2026.
March 13, 2026 — Status hearing
Both parties agreed to a continuance for status on May 8th.
May 8, 2026 — Status hearing
The defendant was again ordered to remain detained, and a status hearing was again set for July 10th before Judge Vescogni.
How to Follow This Case
- LaSalle County Circuit Court case number: 2025CF000298, searchable via the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk online docket or public access terminal (www.lasallecountyil.gov/circuit-clerk).
- Anonymous tips: LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office 815-433-2161 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS
Community Resources & Grief Support
This tragedy has deeply affected Sheridan and surrounding communities. Support for the families:
- GoFundMe campaigns have been established for both Sidney Schiltz’s and Melissa Vissman’s children (links verified by family).
- Illinois Victim Assistance: 1-800-228-3368
- Homicide Survivors Support (Chicago-based but serves statewide): 312-346-1006
- Local grief counseling through OSF St. Elizabeth (Ottawa) or Illinois Valley Community Hospital (Peru)
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available. All information is sourced from publicly available law-enforcement releases, court filings, and official statements. Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
—Willow Moss