2 dead, suspect in custody after shooting and house fire in rural Illinois, sheriff says

Death investigation launched after 2 killed in LaSalle County: reports

There have been reports that two people were killed Thursday morning in LaSalle County.

SHERIDAN, Ill. - Two people are dead and a suspect is in custody after a reported shooting and house fire early Thursday in rural Illinois.

What we know:

The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office said it received a 911 call about shots fired at a house in Sheridan just before 1 a.m.

About 25 minutes later, deputies were notified that the same home was on fire.

After firefighters put out the flames, deputies found two people dead inside the house. The LaSalle County coroner identified the pair as 42-year-old Sidney A. Schiltz, of Sheridan, and 31-year-old Melissa Vissman, of Ottawa.

Autopsies were conducted on Friday and their causes of death are being withheld pending further forensic testing and court proceedings.

As of around 6 p.m. Thursday, deputies confirmed the suspect was in custody and identified him as Ronald W. Martin, of Sheridan.

Ronald W. Martin

Authorities said he was wanted in connection with six counts of murder.

What's next:

The sheriff's office said they believe this was an isolated incident and the investigation is ongoing.