On Wednesday, Sept. 3, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department released more information on the July 21 death of Emma Schultheis, 14 of Prairie du Rocher. Charges have been filed against two individuals involved, one being her father.
In the press release, it was noted that on Aug. 26, the sheriff’s department had concluded its investigation. Their investigation had determined that David A. Schultheis, 34, of Prairie du Rocher, had “discharged a handgun in an attempt to shoot a buzzard (a bird) that had entered a brick building. In doing so, Schultheis inserted only his arm into the room—keeping his head outside the doorway to avoid potential ricochet—before pulling the trigger. The bullet struck the bird, passed through it, exited the building through a window, and ultimately struck his daughter, Emma Schultheis, who was outside.”
Schultheis was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, a Class 4 felony. He voluntarily surrendered himself at the Monroe County Jail, was processed and received pretrial release. His initial court appearance was held on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 4. His preliminary hearing has been scheduled for the morning of Oct. 16 before Judge Lucas Liefer.
Also charged in connection with the death was Karen A. Schwarze, 58, of Valmeyer. She has been charged with concealment of a homicidal death, a Class 3 felony, and with obstructing justice, a Class 4 felony.
The press release stated that Schwarze “knowingly and unlawfully concealed the death of Emma Schultheis.” In addition, she “is also alleged to have knowingly and unlawfully concealed physical evidence—a Taurus .40 caliber pistol—with the intent to prevent the apprehension or prosecution of David Schultheis. Additionally, the investigation revealed that following the execution of search warrants, Ms. Schwarze attempted to influence others not to speak with law enforcement officers during the early stages of the investigation.”
As of the press release, it was noted that Schwarze was making arrangement to voluntarily surrender herself to the sheriff’s department “in the near future.”
For more on this story, please see this week’s print edition.