An Illinois man is facing first-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting his daughter-in-law outside a wedding reception, reportedly upset that she was divorcing his son.
According to Schaumburg police, 76-year-old Roland Schmidt fatally shot Christine Moyer, 45, outside the Marriott Hotel in Schaumburg on the night of Friday, July 25. Authorities say the motive was tied to “divorce paperwork which was filed against his son.”
During a court appearance on Monday, July 28, prosecutors stated Schmidt had planned the killing for a week and intended to take his own life afterward, according to WGN9.
“He executed her in the presence of her own family,” said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Ellen Mandeltort, who requested — and was granted — that Schmidt be held without bail, per the Daily Herald.
Police responded to a 911 call just after 10:15 p.m., reporting a shooting in the hotel’s parking lot. When officers arrived, they found Moyer with a gunshot wound to the head near the hotel entrance. She was rushed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where she later died.
Authorities say Schmidt followed Moyer outside the wedding venue, approached her, and then shot her. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
Schmidt was reportedly tackled and subdued by a bystander before police arrived and took him into custody. He is due back in court on August 22, according to ABC7.
The tragic incident unfolded during what was supposed to be a celebratory family event, with witnesses describing shock and horror at the scene.
