Kellie Barnett had spent Christmas Day with her sister in Schaumburg, a small town outside Chicago. A fatal decision. Her brother-in-law Daniel Garcia shot her when she went to the bathroom early in the morning and accidentally ended up in the wrong bedroom on the way back.
Barnett was too tired to drive back to her home in New Lenox, Illinois, 45 minutes away. Sister Angie offered to let her sleep in the guest room. This was right next to the Garcias’ bedroom.
At 7:15 a.m., Daniel Garcia called 911 and reported that he had mistaken his sister-in-law for a burglar and shot the “dark figure.” According to NBC Chicago, the 52-year-old revealed to Schaumburg Police Department officers that he always keeps a loaded, semi-automatic Glock pistol in a holster hanging on his side of the bed.
He admitted that while he was sleepy, he saw a shadow in the bedroom, pulled out his gun and fired a shot. Barnett was struck in the chest by the bullet. She died shortly after being admitted to the emergency room at Ascension Saint Alexius Medical Center.
Apologies not credible
According to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Garcias had been watching Christmas movies with Barnett until 3 a.m. Therefore, Daniel Garcia’s excuse that he had completely forgotten the 50-year-old’s presence in his home just four hours later does not seem credible in the eyes of the authorities. He was arrested for negligent homicide of a family member and is currently in custody without the possibility of bail until his next hearing on January 17. If convicted, he faces up to 14 years in prison.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
