The human remains of a missing Crystal Lake man have been found and a suspect has been charged with kidnapping and murdering the missing man, authorities announced.
Crystal Lake Police Chief James Black, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser and Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain announced late Saturday evening the arrest of 61-year-old Douglas Ottesen.
Ottesen is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, aggravated unlawful restrain and concealment of a homicidal death.
Mosser said the Crystal Lake Police Department initiated an investigation on April 4 for a person reported missing from a residence in Crystal Lake.
James Cromwell, 57, of Crystal Lake, was last heard from on March 12.
The investigation showed the circumstances surrounding Cromwell’s disappearance were possibly criminal in nature, Mosser said.
The investigation led to the obtainment of two search warrants at locations in Kane County.
Mosser said the Crystal Lake Police Department and the Kane County Investigations Division worked together on the execution of the search warrants.
The Kane County Investigations Division responded on Tuesday to the 45W200 block of Illinois Route 72 in Hampshire Township in support of the Crystal Lake Police Department’s search warrant for the property.
The team concurrently aided in executing a search warrant at the 600 block of North Falls Circle in Pingree Grove.
Human remains, belonging to Cromwell, were discovered by the Crystal Lake Police Department at the property in the 45W200 block of Illinois Route 72, Mosser said.
Kane County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators, alongside the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force Evidence Team, processed both scenes over several days.
The evidence team provided additional support at the 600 block of North Falls Circle residence.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy and a comprehensive collection of evidence was conducted at both locations, including two vehicles.
The preliminary cause of death was determined during the autopsy to be from a gunshot wound, Mosser said.
Kane County Coroner Rob Russell declared the preliminary manner of death as homicide.
Ottesen is being detained in the Kane County jail while his case is pending.
“I am immensely grateful for the tireless dedication and meticulous effort demonstrated by our investigative team throughout this case. Their steadfast commitment to justice and relentless pursuit of truth embody the highest ideals of our profession,” Mosser said.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each member for their hard work, expertise, and unwavering dedication.”