Crime
Ashley Tucker Dies After Ex-Boyfriend Allegedly Sets Her Home on Fire Following Series of Threats
MILFORD, ILLINOIS — Authorities are investigating a fatal house fire in Milford, Illinois, that claimed the life of 37-year-old Ashley Tucker, a mother and grandmother, who had recently sought protection from her ex-boyfriend amid escalating threats and harassment.
According to investigators, the tragic incident occurred on the night of October 16, when Tucker’s home became engulfed in flames shortly after she received a series of menacing text messages from her ex-boyfriend — despite a no-contact order being in place. One of the messages reportedly warned, “You are going to burn in hell.”
Fire officials believe the blaze was intentionally set, possibly using a Molotov cocktail that was thrown through her bedroom window.
The back door of Tucker’s residence had been nailed shut following a prior break-in, also allegedly involving the same individual, leaving her with few options to escape once the fire began to spread.
Neighbors reported that Tucker tried desperately to escape the burning home, managing to flee with her dog after sustaining severe burns.
Witnesses said she emerged from the house with flames on her body and collapsed outside, where residents rushed to assist, using water to extinguish the fire until emergency personnel arrived.
However, response efforts were delayed, as the volunteer fire department reportedly went to the wrong address before locating the burning home. Tucker was left lying outside for approximately 21 minutes before paramedics reached the scene around 10:00 p.m.
She was transported to a local hospital and later airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where she was placed on life support. She succumbed to her injuries on October 20.
Family members said Tucker had lived in fear of her ex-boyfriend for months. She had filed for an Order of Protection but was too frightened to attend court proceedings, fearing he would retaliate or kill her.
Loved ones allege that she repeatedly reported trespassing and harassment incidents to authorities, but responses were limited due to severe staffing shortages in local law enforcement.
The Milford Police Department reportedly operates with only one part-time officer, and the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department provides intermittent patrol coverage, sometimes assigning a single deputy to multiple towns at once.
As of now, no arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains active, involving the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office, and state authorities.
Ashley Tucker is remembered by her family as a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend who loved cooking, bonfires, fixing things, and spending time outdoors.
She leaves behind two children, grandchildren, siblings, and parents, who are now calling for justice in her memory.
Crime
Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin Fatally Stabs Mother Zoya Shablykin and Three Others at Key Peninsula Home
Five people, including the suspect, are dead following a violent stabbing incident and subsequent deputy-involved shooting Tuesday morning in the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Court Northwest near Gig Harbor, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin.
Investigators say the incident began as a reported protection order violation and escalated into a deadly stabbing attack in a residential cul-de-sac.
Dispatchers received the first 911 call at approximately 8:41 a.m. reporting an “order violation in progress.” According to the sheriff’s office, an adult male had gone to a residence despite a no-contact protection order involving a female occupant of the home.
Deputies later clarified that although a protection order had been granted, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect and therefore was not legally enforceable at the time.
Deputies were en route to serve the order when the situation rapidly escalated.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., additional emergency calls reported that the man was actively stabbing individuals outside the home. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with at least one victim attacked in the middle of the street in front of multiple bystanders.
A deputy arrived on scene minutes later.
According to Officer Shelbie Boyd, spokesperson for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT), gunfire was reported at 9:33 a.m.
“We have the adult male suspect who was shot by the deputy,” Boyd said during a press briefing.
Shablykin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the exchange of gunfire but confirmed that the investigation remains active.
Deputies located four adult victims at the scene.
Three were pronounced dead at the residence. A fourth victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries.
One of the victims was identified as 52-year-old Zoya Shablykin, the suspect’s mother.
Authorities stated that relationships between the suspect and the additional victims remain under investigation.
Witness accounts suggest that neighbors may have intervened in an attempt to stop the attack.
Court records linked to the residence show that in April 2025, Zoya Shablykin petitioned for a protection order against her adult son. The order was granted in May.
In her petition, she alleged ongoing threats, harassment, and erratic behavior, including prior physical aggression. The filing referenced concerns about his mental health and stated he had previously pushed and threatened her.
The protection order prohibited the son from possessing weapons and from coming within 1,000 feet of his mother, her home, vehicle, or workplace. The order also required him to comply with a treatment plan and prescribed medications.
Investigators confirmed that although the order had been approved by the court, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect at the time of the incident. Deputies were attempting to serve the documentation when the stabbing occurred.
Court records indicate Shablykin had multiple prior contacts with law enforcement dating back to 2020, primarily involving traffic-related offenses, including driving without a valid license and refusing to identify himself during traffic stops. Records reflect at least 14 separate cases. A 2023 trespassing charge was dismissed.
A family acquaintance told media outlets that other immediate family members were not present at the residence during the attack and were safe elsewhere at the time of the incident.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Pierce County Force Investigation Team are continuing to investigate both the stabbing deaths and the deputy-involved shooting. Authorities have not yet released the names of the additional victims pending notification of next of kin.
Officials described the event as a tragic escalation of a domestic situation that unfolded rapidly despite law enforcement response efforts.
Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.