A family celebration turned into a horrifying tragedy when a 76-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his daughter-in-law execution style during a wedding reception in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
The suspect, Roland Schmidt, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Christine Moyer, 45, after he reportedly shot her in the head in the parking lot of a Marriott hotel in Schaumburg on Friday night.
According to Schaumburg police, the deadly confrontation occurred after Schmidt allegedly learned that Moyer was planning to divorce his son. Prosecutors revealed that the shooting took place in full view of several wedding guests, including family members.
“He followed her outside the wedding venue and shot her in the head while she was speaking to another family member,” said prosecutors, as reported by ABC 7 Chicago.
Authorities say Schmidt had been deeply upset about the pending divorce. He allegedly admitted to planning the shooting after discovering his son's marriage was ending.
Emergency responders transported Moyer to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Witnesses at the scene reportedly subdued Schmidt and handed him over to police.
The accused was found in possession of a firearm despite having an expired Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card, which is required by Illinois law to possess or purchase guns and ammunition.
Schmidt appeared in court on Monday, where the judge ordered him held without bail until his next court hearing, scheduled for August 22. His public defender argued for leniency, citing the defendant’s age and medical conditions, but the request was denied.
Moyer, a mother of two, leaves behind a grieving family, including her children and estranged husband. In the courtroom, two attendees who knew the accused reportedly said, “Pray for her children.”
The shocking incident has sent ripples through the Schaumburg community and raised questions about gun access and domestic tensions, even among older adult.
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