A father in Illinois has been charged after an attempt to shoot a bird inadvertently resulted in his daughter’s death. The incident occurred when he tried to fire at a buzzard that had flown into a building, causing the bullet to pass through the bird and tragically hit his 14-year-old daughter, Emma Schultis.
David Schultis, 34, from Prairie du Rocher, was preparing to shoot the buzzard on July 21 when the bullet exited through a window and struck Emma, who was outside. Emergency responders arrived shortly after and initiated life-saving measures, including CPR.
Emma was quickly taken to a hospital in the St. Louis area but was sadly pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Authorities shared that as the bullet went through the bird, Schultis’s arm was the only part of him outside the building. Investigators launched an inquiry involving the Illinois State Police following this tragic death.
On September 2, charges were filed by Monroe County State Attorney Ryan Webb against Schultis and another individual, Karen Schwarze, 58, from Balmeyer. Schultis faces a felony charge for reckless discharge of a firearm.
Schwarze has been charged with tampering with the investigation; she allegedly concealed the .40 caliber pistol used and pressured others not to cooperate with law enforcement.
After the search warrant was executed, it was revealed that Schwarze attempted to influence witnesses early in the investigation.
Schultis voluntarily turned himself in at the Monroe County Jail and was later released. Schwarze is also expected to surrender, according to officials.
The Sheriff’s Office described the shooting as deeply upsetting. “There is no word that can properly describe the heartbreak and gravity of this tragic event,” remarked Sgt. Justin Biggs of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
Requests for comments from Schultis and Schwarze remain pending.
