Man Argues He Acted In Self-Dense In Killing Of Crystal Lake Man

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A man from Pingree Grove took the witness stand this week arguing he acted in self‑defense when he shot and killed a Crystal Lake resident more than two years ago, according to testimony at the opening of his trial.

Douglas Ottesen, 62, is charged with first‑degree murder and concealing a homicidal death after prosecutors say he shot 57‑year‑old James Cromwell and stored the body in a police barn, according to Shaw Local News Network.

Ottesen is accused of killing Cromwell in 2024. Police found Cromwell's body in a pole barn after Cromwell was reported missing from his home in April 2024.

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.

• Man Accused Of Kidnapping, Killing Missing Crystal Lake Resident

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.

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