Illinois Father Charged After Accidental Shooting Kills Teenage Daughter
PRAIRIE DU ROCHER, ILLINOIS – A southern Illinois community is grieving after a tragic accident in July left a 14-year-old girl dead. Her father has now been charged in connection with the shooting.
Attempt to Shoot Bird Ends in Tragedy
On July 21, David Schultheis was aiming at a buzzard that had flown into a brick building when his gun discharged. The bullet pierced a window and struck his daughter, Emma Schultheis, who was standing nearby.
Emergency responders rushed Emma to a St. Louis-area hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. She was just six days away from celebrating her 15th birthday, according to initial reports of the shooting.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department called the incident “profoundly devastating” and said their focus remained on uncovering the facts with integrity.
Charges Filed Against Father and Family Acquaintance
On September 2, Monroe County prosecutors charged Schultheis with reckless discharge of a firearm. Authorities also announced charges against Karen Schwarze, who allegedly hid the .40-caliber pistol used in the shooting and pressured others not to speak to investigators.
Schultheis voluntarily surrendered to authorities and was later released pending his court date. Schwarze is expected to turn herself in as the case proceeds.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The tragedy has left Prairie Du Rocher residents shaken, with many expressing condolences to the family as legal proceedings move forward.
Investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the fatal shot. Officials emphasized that additional details will be released as the case develops, and that their priority remains ensuring justice for Emma.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers of firearm misuse and the profound consequences of even a momentary lapse in judgment. For continued updates on community safety and legal developments across Illinois, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.