Mother of 2 died after her 76-year-old father-in-law followed her outside the event they both attended and shot her in the head just because she planned to leave his son; father-in-law arrested
Illinois – In a disturbing incident in Illinois at what should have been a joyful family gathering, a 45-year-old Ohio mother of 2, identified as C. Moyer, was shot and killed by her 76-year-old father-in-law, identified as R. Schmidt. Authorities say the killing stemmed from her recent decision to leave his son, a choice that enraged the 76-year-old man and ended in violence. The accused, Schmidt, now faces a charge of first-degree murder. A judge ordered him held without bond, emphasizing the cold and calculated nature of the act. His next court date has been scheduled for August 22.
Investigators say the killing was not spontaneous but carefully planned. Schmidt had known since April 2024 that Moyer intended to divorce his son. Prosecutors allege that for a week leading up to the event, he plotted the attack and even intended to take his own life afterward. The tragedy unfolded on the night of July 25. Family members had been seated together inside during the event, giving no sign of conflict. Later, as Moyer headed to the parking lot and stopped to speak with a relative, Schmidt followed her. Approaching from behind, he pulled out a firearm and shot her in the back of the head at close range.
Law enforcement later confirmed the gun was recovered at the scene. Prosecutors described the killing as execution-style and emphasized it had been carried out in front of her family. The sound of the gunshot caused chaos among guests. Witnesses described hearing shouts about a gun and seeing hotel staff quickly call emergency services. One attendee said she had just entered the lobby when she heard people exclaim about a shot being fired, after which many rushed toward the elevators and lobby in fear.
Police arrived around 10:15 p.m. to find Moyer on the ground in the parking lot with a severe head wound. Paramedics transported her to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Meanwhile, several witnesses had already subdued Schmidt until officers arrived to arrest him. He was taken to the county jail, where he remains without bond. Detectives later confirmed the motive: Schmidt was furious over Moyer’s decision to leave his son. Divorce paperwork had been filed earlier that year, and just days before the event, the victim had visited Schmidt’s home, leading to an argument that further fueled his anger. Officials say the killing was deliberate, supported by surveillance footage, witness testimony, and physical evidence.
Moyer was a mother of two who had traveled from Ohio to attend the family gathering. Her loved ones described her as a devoted parent whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence. Her children are now left to face life without their mother, a loss prosecutors say will forever weigh on the family. As Schmidt awaits trial, prosecutors are preparing to present a case that they argue will show premeditation and deliberate intent. The judge’s decision to hold him without bail underscores the seriousness of the charges. What should have been a day of family celebration ended in tragedy, leaving two families shattered: one grieving a life taken far too soon, and another confronting the reality that their patriarch may spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
