Waterloo, IL – A tragic incident in southern Illinois has led to criminal charges after a father allegedly shot and killed his 14-year-old daughter while attempting to kill a bird inside a building. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department announced the charges on September 2, following an investigation into the July 21 death of Emma Schultheis.
What Happened
According to the sheriff’s department, David A. Schultheis, 34, fired a handgun at a bird that had flown into a brick building in Waterloo, about 25 miles south of St. Louis. Authorities allege that David inserted only his arm into the room and kept his head outside the doorway to avoid potential ricochet before firing the shot.
The bullet reportedly struck the bird, exited the building through a window, and tragically hit Emma Schultheis, who was outside at the time.
Emergency Response and Investigation
First responders arrived quickly and performed CPR and other life-saving measures at the scene. Emma was transported to a St. Louis-area hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The case was handed over to the Monroe County State’s Attorney’s Office on August 26, and formal charges were filed a week later.
Charges Filed
David A. Schultheis has been charged with reckless discharge of a firearm.
Karen A. Schwarze, 58, faces two charges:
Concealing a homicide
Obstruction of justice
Officials have not specified Schwarze’s relationship to the victim or her role in the events following the shooting.
Legal Status and Next Steps
David Schultheis reportedly voluntarily surrendered to authorities and was processed and released pending upcoming court dates. Karen Schwarze, according to law enforcement, is expected to turn herself in to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department in the coming days.
As of now, neither individual is reported to have entered a plea or retained legal representation, and no additional public statements have been made by their attorneys.
Community Response
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department issued a heartfelt statement following the charges:
“There are no words that can adequately express the heartbreak and gravity of this tragic event. The death of a child under any circumstances is profoundly devastating. While this incident may have been preventable, our obligation is not to dwell in speculation but to uncover and present the facts with integrity.”
