Dad was aiming for buzzard when he shot his daughter: Police
Share this @internewscast.com

Background: The location in Waterloo, Ill. where Emma Schultheis was fatally shot (Google Maps). Inset: Emma Schultheis (Quernheim Funeral Home).

An Illinois man was charged with a felony after police said he shot his 14-year-old daughter while trying to kill a buzzard.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Department reported that 34-year-old David Schultheis turned himself in following a warrant for his arrest on charges of reckless firearm discharge. In the wake of his daughter Emma Schultheis’s death on July 21, investigations revealed he had attempted to shoot a buzzard inside a brick office in Waterloo, Illinois, using a handgun.

Police said Schultheis fired at the bird without looking.

A police statement described how Schultheis “inserted only his arm into the room — keeping his head outside to avoid ricochet — prior to firing.” The bullet allegedly “hit the buzzard, passed through, exited through a window, and tragically struck his daughter, Emma Schultheis, who was waiting outside.”

Officers arrived at around 1:34 p.m. on July 21 and found Emma wounded. Despite efforts by medical staff, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. She was less than a week away from turning 15.

Authorities also discovered that 58-year-old Karen Schwarze allegedly tried to hide Emma’s death and the Taurus .40 caliber pistol Schultheis used. She is accused of attempting to “influence others to withhold information from law enforcement during the investigation’s initial phase,” police said. Her exact connection to Schultheis was not disclosed.

Schultheis was processed and released after turning himself in on a reckless discharge charge. Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing informed the Bellville News-Democrat that a pretrial detention request was not filed. Schultheis was set to appear in court on Thursday.

Schwarze was due to surrender soon, facing charges of concealing a homicidal death and obstruction of justice.

Sheriff Rohlfing told the Bellville News-Democrat that the shooting was “not intentional,” adding, “We feel terrible for the family and friends.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

US TV Host’s Emotional Appeal: A Heartfelt Plea to Mother’s Alleged Kidnappers Sparks Nationwide Attention

US TV anchor Savannah Guthrie has issued another direct plea to her…

Heartfelt Plea for Justice Following Teen’s Devastating One-Punch Assault Fracture

A teenager is in hospital with serious brain injuries after he was…

Tragic Infanticide: Babysitter Charged After 10-Month-Old Dies from Severe Injuries

Left inset: Jacob Ray Wescott (Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: Baby…

Suspect Detained for Illegally Carrying Concealed Firearm at Oaks Mall

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 19-year-old named Elijah Levin Williams was…

FBI Breakthrough: Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Appeal in Shocking Glove Discovery Linked to Suspect

In a poignant appeal, “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie reached out to…

Father Accused of Stabbing 3-Month-Old Son and Abandoning Him in Snow, Claiming Need for ‘Sacrifice,’ Authorities Report

Inset: Michael Phillips (WPVI/YouTube). Background: The Pennsylvania apartment complex where cops say…

Man Evades Murder Charge After Placing Woman’s Remains in Tote Bin by Dumpster

Daniel Clark (Arvada police) and Chelsea Beadles (1st Judicial District Attorney”s Office).…

Lawsuit Alleges Neglect Led to Walmart Greeter’s Death from Work-Related Injuries and Severe Bedsores in Nursing Home

Inset: Tamara Bircumshaw (Lindquist Mortuary). Background: The Utah nursing home where Tamara…

Elderly Man Abducted in Shocking Case of Mistaken Identity Sparks Growing Concerns

Police admit they fear for the wellbeing of an 85-year-old Sydney man,…

Man Admits to Fatally Shooting Girlfriend Over Alleged Infidelity, Police Report

Left inset: Jayme Rogers (Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office) Right inset: Jaime Dick…

Ex-Police Chief’s Revenge Rampage: Arson Spree Targets Alleged Enemies

David Crawford (Prince George’s County Fire:EMS Department and YouTube screengrabs) A former…