Illinois – In a heartbreaking tragedy in Illinois that caught nationwide attention, a 34-year-old father, identified as David S., has been charged after his attempt to shoot a bird inside an office led to the accidental death of his 14-year-old daughter, identified as Emma S. The father now faces a felony count of reckless discharge of a firearm after the bullet he fired struck and killed his teenage daughter, just days before her 15th birthday.
The charge stems from an incident on July 21, when David fired a single round from a handgun in an attempt to kill a bird that had flown into the office. According to the sheriff’s department, the father inserted only his arm into the room—keeping his head outside the doorway—before pulling the trigger. According to police reports, the bullet hit the bird and went through a window, striking Emma while she was passing by outside. Authorities responded to the scene at 1:34 p.m. and found Emma critically injured. Despite the efforts of first responders and staff in a nearby hospital, she died from her injuries later that day.
Sheriff N. Rohlfing confirmed that while the act was unintentional, it was avoidable. “He was shooting in an unsafe direction and made some poor choices in my opinion and unfortunately it resulted in his daughter’s death,” Rohlfing said. “Everyone should always use caution when using and handling firearms. Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. You should always know your backdrop.” Court records indicate that probable cause was found to support the charge, and David surrendered voluntarily. He was later released after authorities did not seek pretrial detention. As of now, no defense attorney has been publicly listed, and David is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Thursday.
Emma was more than just a victim of a tragic mistake—she was a rising sophomore at a local high school with a bright future and a deep passion for agriculture. Just five days before her death, she earned second place for her steer and first place for her heifer at the county fair in Carlyle. Her family said she had been looking forward to another county fair, where she had planned to show her livestock again. Her mother, Amanda S., spoke through grief when she said, “She was a wonderful, helpful, sweet little girl… she was our best friend.”
Authorities also charged a 58-year-old woman, identified as Karen S., with concealment of a homicidal death and obstruction of justice, alleging she attempted to hide both the circumstances of Emma’s death and the handgun used in the shooting. Investigators also say she influenced others not to speak with law enforcement during the early stages of the case. Her connection to the victim’s family has not been publicly disclosed, but she is expected to surrender soon.
As this case moves forward in the courts, a family and a community continue to grieve the sudden loss of a girl who was known for her spirit, determination, and kindness. Emma should have been celebrating her birthday at the county fair—surrounded by the animals she loved and the people who loved her back. Instead, a split-second decision brought her life to an abrupt end, serving as a sobering reminder of the irreversible consequences of reckless firearm use.
