In a heartbreaking incident in Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois, a father’s attempt to rid a building of a bird ended in the accidental death of his teenage daughter. On July 21, 34-year-old David Schultheis was trying to shoot a buzzard when the bullet he fired inadvertently went through a window, fatally hitting his daughter, Emma Schultheis, who was just shy of her 15th birthday.
Emergency services were on the scene within minutes, initiating life-saving measures, including CPR. Emma was rushed to a hospital in the St. Louis area. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, she was later pronounced dead.
Investigators report that Schultheis had only extended his arm into the doorway to fire the shot, keeping his head outside to avoid a potential ricochet. The bullet, however, passed through the bird, exited the building, and struck Emma, who was standing outside.
The incident prompted an investigation involving the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit. On September 2, charges were filed against Schultheis and another individual, 58-year-old Karen Schwarze of Valmeyer, by Monroe County State’s Attorney Ryan Webb.
Schultheis is now facing a felony count of reckless discharge of a firearm. Schwarze, meanwhile, has been charged with concealment of a homicidal death and obstructing justice. Investigators allege that she hid the .40-caliber pistol used in the shooting and attempted to dissuade others from speaking to law enforcement.
Schultheis voluntarily surrendered at the Monroe County Jail and was released pending court. Schwarze is reportedly arranging to turn herself in. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department described the shooting as “profoundly devastating,” with Sgt. Justin Biggs stating, “There are no words that can adequately express the heartbreak and gravity of this tragic event.”