Waterloo, IL – A 14-year-old girl from Prairie Du Rocher was pronounced dead after allegedly being shot in a residence along State Route 3 in Waterloo on Monday afternoon, launching a law enforcement investigation and prompting calls for privacy from grieving families.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, deputies and emergency responders were dispatched to the 5900 block of State Route 3 at approximately 1:34 p.m. Monday for what was reported as a medical emergency involving a juvenile. Officials said Monroe County EMS and the first responding deputy immediately began life-saving efforts, including CPR, before the juvenile was transported to a St. Louis-area hospital, where she was allegedly pronounced deceased.
The victim has been identified as Emma Schultheis, age 14, of Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois. Authorities allegedly located and secured a firearm at the scene, and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit responded to assist in processing the evidence.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department has initiated an active investigation into the alleged shooting. Officials say there are allegedly no suspects at large and no ongoing threat to the public related to this case. Law enforcement emphasized that the case remains under investigation, and no further details are being released at this time.
On behalf of Sheriff Neal Rohlfing, officials requested that the public respect the privacy and space of those affected and allow for the grieving process. Authorities also cautioned the community against sharing unverified information or rumors online, noting that such speculation can impede investigations and cause additional harm.
Further updates are expected once the investigation concludes, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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