James Cromwell, 57, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, was last heard from on March 12, 2024, while planning a family visit to Florida. When he could not be reached, police opened a missing person investigation on April 4, 2024, and quickly treated the case as potentially criminal.

On May 7, 2024, search warrants were executed at two Kane County locations: a Hampshire Township property on Illinois Route 72 and a residence on North Falls Circle in Pingree Grove. Human remains recovered inside a barn at the Hampshire property were identified by the Kane County Coroner as Cromwell’s. He was found in a makeshift wooden box wrapped in a tarp and covered with lime powder; his hands were bound, his eyes covered with duct tape, and the coroner ruled the death a homicide from a gunshot wound to the back of the neck. Evidence and two vehicles were seized from the search sites.

Douglas Ottesen of Pingree Grove was arrested and charged with multiple felonies related to the death. His trial began in late January 2026, and in early February 2026 a jury convicted him of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and concealment of a homicidal death. He faces a possible sentence of 45 years to life and remained in custody pending post-trial proceedings.

If anyone knew James Cromwell or has information about his last movements, please share what you know with investigators.