Before she was reported missing and became the victim named in Bloomington’s most recent homicide, Melissa Ostrom accused a man of grabbing her and throwing her to the ground.
Joshua D. Livingston, the man charged with domestic battery against Ostrom in March, was in McLean County court Thursday on first-degree murder charges in Ostrom’s death. The 39-year-old woman was reported missing April 17, the same day Livingston, 41, of Danvers, was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.
Authorities have not disclosed where Ostrom’s body was located, but Livingston’s possible connection to the case includes a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck the suspect was driving during an April 17 traffic stop, according to police. Police also believe the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro listed in stolen vehicle charges has a connection to the victim.
The domestic battery charge accuses Livingston of physically abusing Ostrom, identified as a family or household member, during a March 12 altercation in Bloomington. Livingston was released from jail on March 23 after posting $200.
As a condition of his release from jail, Livingston was ordered to have no contact with Ostrom. He faces a new charge of violating the bond conditions.
Livingston’s prior criminal history in McLean County includes two dozen traffic charges and a 2017 drunk driving conviction.
The three murder charges do not mention how Ostrom was killed, but a preliminary report from Coroner Kathy Yoder states Ostrom died of strangulation.
In addition to the murder charges, Livingston is charged with concealment of a homicide. Burglary charges filed on Monday accuse Livingston of entering a Bloomington auto body shop with the intent to commit theft.
Livingston’s bond was set at $2 million on the murder charges. Bond is $150,000 on the burglary counts and $250,000 on stolen vehicle charges.
