Daijiworld Media Network – Illinois

Illinois, Sep 6: A tragic accident in Illinois has left a family and community devastated after a father’s attempt to shoot a bird ended in the death of his teenage daughter.

David Schultheis of Prairie Du Rocher was aiming at a buzzard that had flown into a brick building on July 21 when the bullet pierced a window and struck his 14-year-old daughter, Emma Schultheis. Emergency responders rushed her to a St. Louis-area hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly after. Emma was due to turn 15 in six days.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department described the incident as “profoundly devastating” and emphasized their focus on uncovering facts with integrity.

On September 2, State’s Attorney Ryan Webb charged Schultheis with reckless discharge of a firearm. A woman named Karen Schwarze was also charged with concealment of a homicidal death and obstruction of justice, after allegedly hiding the .40-calibre pistol used and pressuring others not to speak to authorities.

Schultheis voluntarily surrendered and was released pending court, while Schwarze is arranging to turn herself in. Authorities continue their investigation into the heartbreaking incident.