Girl, 14, ‘shot and killed by her dad who was trying to shoot birds’

Emma Schultheis, 14, was shot dead in Waterloo, Illinois (Picture: Facebook)

A dad allegedly killed his teenage daughter after he fired a bullet which went through a bird, out of a building and hit the 14-year-old.

Emma Schultheis, 14, was found with a gunshot wound in Waterloo, Illinois, on July 21, and later died in hospital.

Her dad, David A. Schultheis, 34, had reportedly discharged a handgun inside the building they were in after a bird managed to fly through.

He only put his arm through the doorway to avoid a ricochet, but when he pulled the trigger, the bullet passed through the bird, exited the building and struck Emma, who was outside.

Emma Shultheis with her dad, David Schultheis (Picture: Facebook)

A woman named Karen Schwarze, 58, is said to have hidden the 0.50 caliber pistol to prevent David’s arrest, and ‘influenced others from speaking to law enforcement’.

Both have been charged in connection with her death. They are yet to enter a plea.

Images from social media show Emma with horses and cattle, even entering breed competitions and winning championships.

Emma was a keen volleyball player and track racer (Picture: Facebook)

She is also seen at a number of racing events and volleyball matches.

Tributes have poured in for the teenager, who was described as ‘filled with wit and sarcasm’.

Megan Danielle wrote: ‘She had a way with her words and quick come backs and could have you laughing in seconds.

Authorities say Schultheis fired a handgun in an attempt to shoot a bird that had entered a brick building (Picture: Facebook)

‘Her smile would instantly light up a room, and her presence was known and felt the second she arrived.

‘She was going to turn 15 next week and wanted so badly to get her permit, and find a sense of freedom and unfortunately that wasn’t in the plan.

‘I know they always say “God only takes the best” but it’s hard to wrap my head around that when someone is only 14 years old and had an entire life yet to live.’

Sergeant Justin Biggs from Monroe County Sheriff’s Department said: ‘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.’

Schultheis voluntarily surrendered at the Monroe County Jail, and she was released pending a court hearing, while Schwarze is making arrangements ot surrender.

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