Man Accused Of Kidnapping, Killing Missing Crystal Lake Resident

KANE COUNTY, IL — A Pingree Grove man is accused of kidnapping and killing a Crystal Lake man after police recently searched locations in Kane County and found the remains of the missing man, police said.

Douglas Ottesen, 60, of the 600 block of North Falls Circle in Pingree Grove, faces three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, aggravated unlawful restraint and concealment of a homicidal death, according to a news release from the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

Ottesen is accused of killing James Cromwell, 57, of Crystal Lake.

Police in Crystal Lake launched an investigation into Cromwell's whereabouts when he was reported missing from his home in Crystal Lake on April 4, according to a news release. Police obtained two search warrants for locations in Kane County, including one for the 600 block of North Falls Circle in Pingree Grove and another for the 45W200 block of Route 72 in Hampshire Township.

Police found Cromwell's remains at the property on Route 72, police said. A gunshot wound caused Cromwell's death, according to preliminary results from autopsy completed by the Kane County Coroner's Office.

Kane County Coroner Rob Russell ruled the preliminary manner of death as homicide.

Ottesen will remain detained and behind bars as his case proceeds through court.

This is a developing story. Check back with Patch for more.