Father Charged After Accidentally Shooting 14-Year-Old Daughter in Illinois

A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken Monroe County, Illinois, after a father turned himself in following the accidental shooting of his teenage daughter.

Authorities say 34-year-old David Schultheis surrendered to police weeks after his daughter, 14-year-old Emma, died from a gunshot wound she sustained in July. The incident, which was initially treated as a terrible accident, has now led to criminal charges.

How the Accident Happened

On July 21, at around 1:34 p.m., Schultheis attempted to shoot a buzzard that had flown inside a brick building. According to investigators, he reached only his arm into the doorway and fired, keeping his head outside in an attempt to avoid ricochet. While his shot struck the bird, the bullet passed through a window and struck Emma, who was playing outside at the time.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department later confirmed the sequence of events, noting that the father’s decision to shoot in that manner directly resulted in the tragedy.

A Daughter Lost Too Soon

Emma was rushed to the hospital immediately after the shooting, but despite doctors’ best efforts, she passed away just days before her fifteenth birthday. Her death left her family and community devastated.

Her mother, Amanda, described Emma as “a wonderful, helpful, sweet little girl” who was not only a beloved daughter but also her “best friend.” Emma had recently competed in livestock shows at the Clinton County Fair, where she proudly placed first and second with her animals. Just five days after her passing, the Monroe County Fair held a tribute in her honor.

Charges Filed Against Father and Family Acquaintance

Following Emma’s death, Schultheis voluntarily surrendered himself to law enforcement. He has been charged with “recklessly discharging a firearm in a way that endangered the bodily safety of another person.”

Authorities have also charged 58-year-old Karen A. Schwarze in connection with the case. According to police reports, Schwarze allegedly tried to conceal the firearm, hide details about Emma’s death, and persuade others not to speak to investigators. She now faces felony charges of concealing a homicidal death and obstructing justice.

Officials Speak Out

Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing expressed sorrow over the devastating loss but did not shy away from criticizing Schultheis’s actions. He stated that the father “was shooting in an unsafe direction and made some poor choices,” which tragically ended in his daughter’s death.

Sheriff Rohlfing reminded the public that firearms should always be handled with extreme care, emphasizing: “Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Always be aware of your backdrop.”

Monroe County Sgt. Justin Biggs also released a statement, saying: “There are no words that can adequately express the heartbreak and gravity of this tragic event. While this incident may have been preventable, our duty is to uncover the facts with integrity.”

Community Reaction

The community has been left stunned, not only by Emma’s death but also by the way the aftermath was handled. Some questioned why attempts were allegedly made to hide the truth. One person wrote online: “So… the people involved said it was just a tragic accident, let’s just cover it up? And they got to walk free?”

Others pointed out that shooting buzzards in Illinois is illegal to begin with. Both turkey buzzards and black buzzards are protected species, and harming them can result in fines or even jail time.

Remembering Emma

Emma’s story is a painful reminder of how quickly life can change due to one reckless decision. She was more than a victim of an accident—she was a bright young girl with a future ahead of her. Friends, family, and neighbors remember her for her kind spirit, her love of animals, and her joyful presence at school and community events.

As legal proceedings continue, the tragedy serves as a sobering warning about the importance of firearm safety and accountability. For those closest to Emma, though, the focus remains on mourning a life cut short and honoring the memory of a daughter who was taken far too soon.