MONROE COUNTY, Ill. — Authorities have filed charges in connection with the tragic shooting death of 14-year-old Emma Schultheis of Prairie Du Rocher, who was fatally struck by a stray bullet on July 21, 2025.
At around 1:34 p.m. that day, deputies and EMS personnel responded to a medical emergency at a residence on State Route 3 in Waterloo. First responders performed life-saving measures before Emma was transported to a St. Louis-area hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Following a six-week investigation, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department determined Emma’s father, David A. Schultheis, 34, discharged a handgun inside a building while attempting to shoot a buzzard. The bullet struck the bird, passed through it, exited a window, and fatally wounded Emma, who was outside.
On September 2, State’s Attorney Ryan Webb filed charges against two individuals:
- David Schultheis: Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (Class 4 Felony).
- Karen A. Schwarze, 58, of Valmeyer: Concealment of a Homicidal Death (Class 3 Felony) and Obstructing Justice (Class 4 Felony). She is accused of hiding the firearm and attempting to dissuade others from cooperating with investigators.
David Schultheis has surrendered to authorities and been released pending court proceedings. Schwarze is expected to surrender voluntarily.
Sheriff Neal Rohlfing expressed deep sorrow, calling the case “profoundly devastating” and reaffirming the department’s commitment to truth, accountability, and justice.
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