Authorities in Iroquois County are investigating the death of Ashley Tucker, a 29-year-old woman from Milford, who died after her home was set on fire in what family members believe was a domestic violence-related attack.
The incident happened on October 16, 2025, when firefighters were called to Tucker’s home after it went up in flames late at night. According to family and community members, Tucker had been receiving threatening text messages from her estranged boyfriend earlier that evening, despite having a no-trespassing order against him. One of the messages reportedly said, “You are going to burn in hell.”
Investigators believe the fire may have been intentionally set with a Molotov cocktail thrown into Tucker’s bedroom. With her back door nailed shut from a previous break-in, she tried to escape through the fire and was severely burned.
Neighbors reported seeing Tucker run from her burning home while on fire. They rushed to help, using water to put out the flames on her body while waiting for emergency crews to arrive. The local volunteer fire department initially went to the wrong address, delaying response efforts.
Tucker was taken to a nearby hospital and later transferred to the Loyola University Medical Center burn unit in Maywood, where she died from her injuries on October 20.
Family members said Tucker had sought help from police and was in the process of obtaining a protective order but was too afraid to attend the court hearing after receiving threats. They also reported multiple incidents involving her estranged boyfriend entering her home without permission.
The Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office has not announced any arrests or named a suspect in connection with the case. The investigation remains ongoing.
Community members and advocacy groups, including The 815 Has Problems page on Facebook, are calling for justice and transparency, urging law enforcement to act swiftly and ensure the safety of Tucker’s family.
A memorial service for Ashley Tucker is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Knapp Funeral Home, 219 S. Fourth Street, Watseka.