Schaumburg, IL — A tragic event unfolded at a wedding in Schaumburg, Illinois, when a 76-year-old man, Roland Schmidt, allegedly murdered his daughter-in-law, Christine Moyer, after becoming upset about her filing for divorce from his son.
The fatal shooting occurred Friday night at the Marriott Hotel on North Martingale Road, where the wedding was being held.
The Fatal Shooting
At around 10:15 p.m., officers arrived at the scene to find Moyer, 45, of Ohio, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head in the hotel parking lot. Paramedics rushed her to a nearby hospital, but she was later pronounced dead from her injuries.
Roland Schmidt’s Alleged Motive
According to police, Schmidt was allegedly upset that Moyer had filed for divorce from his son. After the wedding, Moyer was leaving the venue when Schmidt followed her outside and shot her in the head. Authorities say Schmidt’s motive was linked to the divorce proceedings involving his son.
A citizen who witnessed the incident reportedly intervened and subdued Schmidt, preventing further violence. The gun used in the shooting was also recovered by authorities.
The Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Schmidt, from Stillman Valley, about 13 miles southwest of Rockford, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He was taken to Cook County Jail and is set to appear before a judge on Monday.
Witness Accounts
Flory Sommers, who had just arrived at the hotel, recalled the chaotic scene. “I was inside by the ATM and I heard some people calling ‘gunshot!’ and then the manager said, ‘Was there a gunshot?’ and he said he was calling the ambulance, and then I just saw people move quickly to the elevator to the lobby,” Sommers said to local Fox affiliate WFLD.
Impact on the Community
The tragic event shocked not only the family involved but also the local community, as weddings are typically joyous occasions. Schaumburg, a Chicago suburb, has been left grappling with the violence that unfolded during what should have been a celebratory event.
As police continue their investigation, the family’s grief over the tragic loss of Christine Moyer is compounded by the devastating actions of a man who reportedly allowed his emotions to dictate a violent response.
Schmidt’s actions have left many questions unanswered, with authorities working to determine more about the incident and the family dynamics involved.
