Illinois Man Accused of Execution-Style Killing of Daughter-in-Law at Family Wedding Over Plans to Divorce Son

Christine Moyer, 45, of Galena, Ohio, left, was shot and killed by her father-in-law, Roland Schmidt, 76, of Stillman Valley, Ill. in the parking lot of a Schaumburg hotel over the weekend, reportedly upset that she had just filed for divorce from his son

An Illinois man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting his daughter-in-law in the head at close range during a family wedding in Schaumburg, a northwest suburb of Chicago. The incident occurred Friday night in the parking lot of a Marriott hotel.

Roland Schmidt, 76, reportedly followed 45-year-old Christine Moyer outside the wedding venue and fatally shot her while she was speaking with another family member. Prosecutors say the shooting, described as "execution style," was witnessed by several relatives.

Roland Schmidt, 76

According to authorities, Schmidt was enraged after learning weeks earlier that Moyer had filed for divorce from his son. He allegedly confessed to premeditating the attack after his son informed him of the pending separation.

Emergency responders transported Moyer to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Schmidt was restrained at the scene by a witness and subsequently taken into police custody.

Investigators revealed that Schmidt did not possess a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card at the time of the shooting. The card is mandatory under Illinois law for any resident owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

Christine Moyer, 45

Schmidt appeared in court on Monday, where a judge denied his release. His next court hearing is scheduled for August 22. Despite arguments from his public defender citing Schmidt’s advanced age and medical conditions, the court ordered that he remain in custody.

Christine Moyer was the mother of two children. Supporters present in the courtroom urged the public to “pray for her children” as the legal proceedings continue.