Father Faces Reckless Discharge Charge; Another Woman Charged with Concealment and Obstruction
Formal charges have been filed against two individuals in connection with the July 21, 2025, fatal shooting of 14-year-old Emma Schultheis of Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois. The Monroe County State’s Attorney’s Office announced the charges following a comprehensive investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
According to the official report, the incident occurred at a property located at 5925 State Route 3 in Waterloo. Emergency responders, including Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies and EMS, were dispatched to the scene after a reported medical emergency involving the teenager. Despite immediate life-saving efforts and transportation to a St. Louis-area hospital, Emma Schultheis was pronounced deceased from a gunshot wound.
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The investigation, which included assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit and involved more than 45 investigative leads, concluded that Emma’s death was the result of a tragic and reckless act.
Monroe County State’s Attorney Ryan Webb has issued charges against the victim’s father, David A. Schultheis, 34, of Prairie Du Rocher, IL. He is charged with Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, a Class 4 Felony. The investigation revealed that Schultheis allegedly discharged a handgun in an attempt to shoot a buzzard inside a brick building. The complaint states he inserted only his arm into the room to avoid ricochet, but the bullet passed through the bird, exited the building through a window, and struck his daughter, who was outside.
A second individual, Karen A. Schwarze, 58, of Valmeyer, IL, also faces charges in the case. She is charged with Concealment of a Homicidal Death (a Class 3 Felony) and Obstructing Justice (a Class 4 Felony). Authorities allege Schwarze knowingly concealed Emma’s death and a Taurus .40 caliber pistol, which was identified as physical evidence. Additionally, the investigation found that Schwarze attempted to influence others not to cooperate with law enforcement during the early stages of the inquiry.
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David Schultheis has voluntarily surrendered himself to the Monroe County Jail and was released pending his upcoming court proceedings. Karen Schwarze is reportedly making arrangements to voluntarily surrender herself in the near future.
In a statement, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department expressed its profound sadness over the event. “There are no words that can adequately express the heartbreak and gravity of this tragic event. The death of a child under any circumstances is profoundly devastating,” the statement read. The department underscored its commitment to conducting thorough, fact-based, and impartial investigations to “deliver truth, accountability, and justice” for the family and the community.
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