A tragic misunderstanding turned fatal on Christmas morning in Schaumburg, Illinois, when a woman was shot by her brother-in-law, who confused her for an intruder. The victim, Kellie Barnett, aged 50, of New Lenox, sustained a life-ending gunshot wound to her torso and was later pronounced dead at St. Alexius Medical Center, as reported by WGN TV.
At approximately 7:20 a.m., Daniel Garcia, 52, was startled awake and in the ensuing confusion, discharged his firearm at Barnett under the impression she was an intruder, despite the fact that she was a guest staying in his home for the night, CBS News Chicago stated. Garcia, now charged with a felony count of involuntary manslaughter owned a valid FOID and CCL, and the weapon, a Glock 9mm handgun, was recovered at the scene.
The unfortunate incident unraveled in the homeowners' bedroom of the residence located on the 1800 block of Carlisle Court, where Garcia resided with his wife. Court documents revealed that Barnett was staying overnight in a spare bedroom. Following the shooting, Garcia admitted to the act in his 911 call to emergency responders, according to information provided during the court proceedings.
Garcia, now detained and facing charges, expressed that he had forgotten Barnett was staying with them, and his court date is set for January 17. If convicted, the range of sentencing he could face spans from three to 14 years in prison, WGN TV reports. Further to this, Garcia was taken into custody by the Schaumburg police department for investigation before being charged, and is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing at the Circuit Court of Cook County's Rolling Meadows Court House, the CBS News Chicago notes.
