[PA] 17 year old Stephen Schmitz - who police Lt. dad said he killed in self defense - painted as the kindest would-be killer ever

Stephen Andrew Schmitz

Facebook: R.I.P. Stephen Schmitz 6/8/2011

Hatfield Police Lieutenant Eric Schmitz fatally shot his son Stephen Andrew Schmitz in the chest. It is reported to have been self-defense. Some articles say that Stephen attacked Lt. Hatfield with a 10 inch hunting knife (5 inches of that being it's handle). Some say that Stephen *attempted* to attack his dad. Articles say his dad was treated at a hospital for inuries.

Lt. Schmitz talking on the porch with personnel right after the shooting:

There's no mention whether Hatfield Police Lt. Schmitz needed stitches, a bandaid, or if the wounds are consistent with those caused by an attack. (This blog has recorded all kinds of scenarios, including officers convicted of murder despite having cut themself to demonstrate self defense.)

If someone only read the news articles they might quickly accept that Stephen was just a very disturbed kid. In the initial articles there was a focus on the fact the fact that Stephen had made "vague threats" (?) to kill himself in the past and had just been released from an *involuntary* commitment - but no details. The police had been called to the house before but Stephen's explanation of course is missing from all of this.

Stephen isn't the first 17 year old on this blog shot by his cop dad. When Stephen's death hit the news I thought right away to the shooting death of Brian Macias. Violent teens can be in anyone's family but police are often believed at the scene and not brought under the same scrutiny that others are when there is a domestic death. They are often offered support rather than have their homes treated as a potential crime scene.

A few people have emailed me asking did Stephen's dad have to kill him? Couldn't he have shot his shoulder or his leg. I don't know.

I didn't post this right away - assuming the media would ask a few more questions when the avalanche of people leaving online messages about Stephen described him over and over again as the nicest person they have ever known. Stephen just seemed to radiate something wonderful to everyone.

The media picture initially used by some was a cropped photograph - his Facebook profile picure where Stephen and friend are having fun making faces. By the time the media chopped his friend out of the photo, coupled it with dad in uniform, reported that Stephen was a mental patient, and that he allegedly tried to stab his dad - you could get an incomplete idea of who Stephen was to his school mates and those he participated in other activities with.

Talk about making an already bad situation worse - and painting an unfair picture to the public of a boy who can't speak up for himself anymore:

THE ORIGINAL:

We don't know what Stephen and his family were going through but Steven evidently embraced the world and the world embraced Stephen back when he wasn't at home.

I wish Stephen was here to speak for himself, but he's not. It would be assuring to hear him say "Yeah I really screwed up and attacked my dad." And "I was so scary and dangerous that a fatal shot was the only thing that could have stopped me."

I really am not accusing. It just doesn't make sense. As it is, anyone can say anything about him, without limits. From an editorial:

"...I cannot fathom the band of demons that haunted young Stephen Schmitz's soul... and only one day after his release from the Horsham Clinic, a facility for teens with mental health and/or substance problems... The friendliest kid dreamed of visiting California. Then the demons came..."

My heart goes out to all. Even if somehow shooting to kill Stephen was the only option available, this has to be so hard for everyone close to Stephen and Eric. I'm praying too for the mother's heart.

VIDEO:
[PA] Pennsylvania Police Lieutenant Fatally Shoots Son Reportedly in Self-Defense

EXCERPTS FROM THE ARTICLES BELOW:

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman has confirmed the deceased as the 17-year-old son of Hatfield Township Police Lieutenant Eric Schmitz... Stephen Schmitz, a junior at North Penn High School, a member of the lacrosse team, chorus and theater programs, died after attacking his father with a 10-inch knife with a 5-inch blade, police said... There were reports of an argument between the 17-year-old and his father earlier Wednesday... At North Penn, Stephen Schmitz played on the lacrosse team; was a member of the Green Room, a group for students interested in theater; and sang in a select concert choir... “It’s a tragedy,” said [North Penn High School Principla Burt] Hynes. “It’s incomprehensible. This was a nice, thoughtful, young man who was bright and kind”... Katie Berger, an owner of Lansdale's Distelfink Bakery, where Stephen worked two days a week, called him "a wonderful employee. Everyone here loved him dearly"... Moments after the shooting, the elder Schmitz sat on his porch, emergency workers trying to console him as his son's body lay inside the home... County Coroner Dr. Walter Hofman said Thursday that the death has been officially ruled a homicide, and the cause of Schmitz’s death was two gunshot wounds to the trunk of the body... When asked about defensive wounds or signs of a struggle, he said he could not comment on any other findings... Detectives continued to process the shooting scene and conduct interviews Wednesday night. They asked that anyone with information about the behavior of the teen, including threats he may have made, call the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at 610-278-3368 or Towamencin Township police at 215-368-7600.

STORM OF TRAGEDY HITS NP FAMILY

phillyBurbs.com

Phil Gianficaro

Sunday, June 12, 2011 12:00 am

[Excerpts]

The three words stood out from the others, identifying Stephen Schmitz like strands of DNA: The friendliest kid. That's what they called him. Grieving classmates, shocked neighbors, and stunned teachers, all of them. Stephen Schmitz, the friendliest kid. Through their sorrow and tears, the rest of exactly who the 17-year-old North Penn junior was sprayed through like a busted fire hydrant. He was the nicest kid, they said. The happiest kid. An awesome kid. A funny kid. A sweet kid. A smiling kid. A talented kid. A warm, caring kid. A big-hearted kid. An amazing kid. But sadly, the one person with whom the friendliest kid could not become friends with was himself. I cannot fathom the band of demons that haunted young Stephen Schmitz's soul. The ones that on Wednesday afternoon at his Towamencin home, and only one day after his release from the Horsham Clinic, a facility for teens with mental health and/or substance problems where he had spent the previous 13 days as an involuntary patient, caused him to take a 10-inch knife and attempt to stab his policeman father, who in self-defense pointed his revolver at his son and did the unimaginable, taking his son's life and an irreplaceable chunk of his own... Stephen Schmitz had friends everywhere. Everywhere but within himself. The friendliest kid dreamed of visiting California. Then the demons came... [Full article here]

DA: SUBURBAN PHILLY OFFICER SHOT AND KILLED SON, 17, AFTER REPORTED ATTACK WITH HUNTING KNIFE

The Associated Press

June 08, 2011

[Excerpts] Authorities in suburban Philadelphia say a police officer shot and killed his 17-year-old son after the youth reportedly attacked him with a hunting knife inside the home... Hatfield Lt. Eric Schmitz was treated for injuries sustained in the violence Wednesday afternoon at his home in the township. Officials said a 10-inch knife was recovered, and township police had been called to the home twice recently. They said the youth had been released a day earlier from the Horsham Clinic, where he had been involuntarily committed for nearly two weeks after threatening to kill himself... [Full article here]

UPDATE: DA CONFIRMS HATFIELD POLICE OFFICER SHOT, KILLED SON IN TOWAMENCIN HOME

The Reporter

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

[Excerpts] More than a dozen neighbors gathered near the scene along a portion of Oxford Road that was closed to traffic by Towamencin police, but all but one declined to comment on the shooting. A medical helicopter had been put on standby but was then called off. The Montgomery County Cororner’s office removed a body from the home shortly after 6 p.m... The house was completely cordoned off on Wednesday afternoon, as was a portion of Oxford Road; police said Wednesday night that they will keep the house closed off as a crime scene... Detectives are continuing their investigation, and anyone with information about the recent behavior of the deceased, including threats made towards family members or others, is asked to contact the Montgomery County Detective Bureau or the Towamencin Township Police Department. [Full article here]

DA: FATHER SHOOTS SON AFTER BEING ATTACKED WITH KNIFE

Action News

By JOHN RAWLINS

Thursday, June 09, 2011

[Excerpts] Police have released more information concerning a fatal shooting inolving a police lieutenant and his teenage son. Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman has confirmed the deceased as the 17-year-old son of Hatfield Township Police Lieutenant Eric Schmitz. Friends tell Action News the teen's first name is Stephen. It all happened at a home on the 100 block of Oxford Road in Towamencin Township around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. According to police, Lt. Schmitz fatally shot his son after the teenager attacked him with a large, fixed blade hunting knife inside their home. Authorities say the knife has a five inch blade and has an overall length of ten inches. A source tell Action News the shooting appears to have been in self defense. Police say Lt. Schmitz has been cooperative with detectives and is being interviewed at a local hospital where he is receiving treatment for his injuries. Towamencin Township police have received calls from the home twice in the recent past. On April 30, police were called because the 17-year-old was reportedly enraged. There were reports that he had made vague threats to harm himself in the past. According to officials, the tensions caused by Stephen subsided and Lt. Schmitz indicated to police that he did not believe any further action was necessary. On May 26, police were called and responded to the home based upon a report that Stephen was threatening to kill himself. Lt. Schmitz prevented his son from harming himself on this occasion, and the teen was involuntarily committed that same day to the Horsham Clinic. The teen remained committed at the Horsham Clinic for thirteen days. He was released on June 7... Police are asking anyone with information about the recent behavior of Stephen, including threats made towards family members or others... [Full article here]

COPING WITH THE DEATH OF A TEEN

phillyburbs.com

by Matt Coughlin

Jun 9, 2011.

[Excerpts]

[Excerpts] A 17-year-old boy's internal struggle ended Wednesday in his family's very public tragedy, according to authorities. Stephen Schmitz, a junior at North Penn High School, a member of the lacrosse team, chorus and theater programs, died after attacking his father with a 10-inch knife with a 5-inch blade, police said. Eric Schmitz, 56, a Hatfield Township police lieutenant, had just finished his shift and was still in his uniform when he returned to the home he shared with Stephen, his other son Drew and his wife Lori for the past 18 years on Oxford Road in Towamencin. The lieutenant, who'd never fired his weapon other than in training in more than 30 years as an officer, shot Stephen once, killing him, police said. The coroner's officer ruled Thursday that Stephen died of a single gunshot wound to the chest. Moments after the shooting, the elder Schmitz sat on his porch, emergency workers trying to console him as his son's body lay inside the home... There were reports of an argument between the 17-year-old and his father earlier Wednesday. And then came the tragic ending about 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office and Towamencin police said they are investigating the backgrounds and health records... [Full article here]

OFF-DUTY HATFIELD POLICE OFFICER FATALLY SHOOTS HIS TEENAGE SON AT HOME

Philadelphia Inquirer

By Kathleen Brady Shea and John P. Martin

Posted on Thu, Jun. 9, 2011

[Excerpts] ...[Hatfield Police Lieutenant Eric B. Schmitz] is listed on the Hatfield Police Department's website as its "right to know" officer and the lieutenant of administration, "responsible for the internal police department function." Hatfield Township Manager Andrew Haines, who had apparently left for the day and rushed back to the township building, said: "We have no comment at this point until we ourselves learn more." Tom Zipfel, president of the five-member Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners, said he had known Eric Schmitz for about five years. "He's a wonderful police officer, there is no doubt about that," Zipfel said. "He has served us fantastically for many years... You couldn't find a more decent man or a more decent police officer." Zipfel said he did not know enough about the shooting to comment, but he added: "Our township as a whole is thinking about him and his family"... [Full article here]

COMMUNITY REELS AFTER FATHER’S SHOOTING OF SON

Philadelphia Inquirer

By Larry King and Kathleen Brady Shea

Jun. 9, 2011

[Excerpts] Eric Schmitz, 56, is described by peers as a calm, unflappable Hatfield Township police lieutenant, the consummate professional. At home, friends say, he is a loving, devoted husband and parent, a man who never spoke ill of anyone. His son Stephen, 17, was a North Penn High School junior whose interests ranged from lacrosse to theater. Teachers described him as a bright and caring student. "They were the ultimate family," said Ed Justice, a longtime friend and former assistant chief of the Montgomery County detectives... Stephen, who struggled with mental-health issues, apparently had attacked his father with a fixed-blade hunting knife soon after getting home from school, authorities said. An autopsy Thursday afternoon found that the teen died from two gunshot wounds to the body, Montgomery County Coroner Walter I. Hofman said. District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman declined to give details Thursday of how the clash occurred or what might have precipitated it... Many acquaintances said they knew little or nothing of any strife in the home. Those who were aware of Stephen Schmitz's recent problems were stunned by how they ended. Katie Berger, an owner of Lansdale's Distelfink Bakery, where Stephen worked two days a week, called him "a wonderful employee. Everyone here loved him dearly." She had spoken with Eric Schmitz about his son's problems, especially when the young man was at the Horsham Clinic. "He was doing absolutely everything he could to get Stephen help," she said... The Schmitzes worship at Central Schwenkfelder Church, where Lori Schmitz serves on the Christian education board and their children - Stephen and older siblings Drew and Kris - went on summer mission work trips... At North Penn, Stephen Schmitz played on the lacrosse team; was a member of the Green Room, a group for students interested in theater; and sang in a select concert... Principal Burt Hynes said Stephen Schmitz was interested in film and was considering a career as a filmmaker... [Full article here]

EX-D.A. PRAISES FATHER INVOLVED IN SHOOTING OF SON

Philadelphia Inquirer

By Larry King, Kathleen Brady Shea and John P. Martin

Jun. 9, 2011

[Excerpts] Calm. Rational. The consummate professional. The day after Hatfield Police Lt. Eric Schmitz shot and killed his mentally troubled son in an apparent act of self-defense, mention of the veteran officer elicited such descriptions in law enforcement circles. "He's actually one of the guys in law enforcement I've admired the most," said Bruce L. Castor Jr., a former Montgomery County district attorney. Now a county commissioner, Castor cal... Eric Schmitz was cooperating with the township and county investigation and was being treated at a hospital for injuries from the attack, Ferman and Dickinson said... Investigators cordoned off the property with yellow police tape and put up a blue tarpaulin near the side of the house. About 5:30 p.m., a county coroner's van arrived... [Full article here]

FROM ONLINE CONDOLENCES:

...i absolutly have no words for what has happen...i knew you and you were the most kind and caring guy. im thankful for being able to know you. u have no idea how many people you impacted. honestly no one could ever have anything bad to say about you. i still cant even comprehend what had happened...

...Stephen, Rest in peace, This has sadden so many people, you obviously were well liked, I didnt know you super well, but the times we talked you were always so sweet, I remember being in a bad place myself, and you popped up on chat and asked me if I was okay and talked with me through some stuff, you were also so persistant in trying to make peace between me and someone... you made me see that situation was dumb, Im forever thankful for our chats, your were one of the nicest guys who for no reason just wanted to listen and help and give advice and now taken away way to early. Rest easy Stephen, your family is in my prayers. So sadden...

...R.I.P i dont even happened and i havent seen u since i moved but dang man ive known u since kindergarden and this happened :( You have always been such a nice person...

...stephen, i wish i couldve helped you with everything, you were always my bestfriend to talk about anything to and made me laugh, your an amazingg loyal kind sweet hilarious kid and im gona miss you everyday of my life.. i hate walking down the hallway and not seeing you to say hi or give you a hug :(( everyone loves and misses you beyond belief, you really changed all our lives for the better and im soo happy i knew you, i love you sooo much stephen ? ? forever in my heart...

...It's raining, you're crying because you see how many people really do care, love, and support your family in this tough time; it's thundering, you're stomping your feet to be heard, but dont you worry- no, no ... you've been and you're ALWAYS going to be heard; it's lightening, too ... I suppose this means you're actually in peace. You forever remain in MANY of our hearts...

...RIP Stephen Schmitz, you will live forever in the hearts of everyone you have touched...

...A TRUELY GREAT PERSON AND A KIND SOUL. IVE KNOWN YOU SINCE 5TH GRADE AND TO THIS DAY NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON I KNOW WHO KNEW YOU CAN EVEN THINK OF ONE BAD THING ABOUT YOU STEPHEN. YOU WERE SUCH A GREAT KID AND OF ALL THE PEOPLE THIS COULD OF HAPPEND TO I WOULD OF NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD BE YOU. I KNOW YOUR UP IN HEAVEN FOR A 100% FACT. GOD HAS A BRAND NEW ANGEL. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND GOD BLESS...

...I have the 2 page letter you wrote to me in my journal from Horsham. Every time I read it, I just cry more. We had so many memories and good laughs just from that one week. You were my best friend, and such a good guy.. you didn't deserve this...

...i really appreciate everyone's kind words and thoughts though.. my family does too. stevie was a neat kid and we will all miss him very very much...

...Mr. Schmitz is still n always will be a great man. i really hope people dont jump to any angry towards him bc thats not the way to handle this...

...i really appreciate everyone's kind words and thoughts though.. my family does too. stevie was a neat kid and we will all miss him very very much...

...i love ur family so much n my thoughts have not changed a bit about u guys. I adore ur family n my heart breaks for u guys. But u still have all of us to help u through this. He was a great kid n ive never had a bad thought about him n never will...

...I wish this had never happened to you because there aren't a lot of people in this world that had your enthusiasm. You were a person that was easy to talk to and listen. You always new when to funny and how to make each person laugh! A great soul like yours people don't find very often and it is a shame that I wont be able to share one last laugh with you. I will remember you for forever and love you toO...

...I got my hug from you yesterday in school?, all the great times we had will never be forgotten...i love you, rest in peace stephen...

...he was such a funny kid...

...Stephen, I don't even know where to start. I've known you literally my whole life, and the thought of you not being around anymore has not sank in yet. The neighborhood will certainly never be the same without you here. I hope heaven is everything you wanted it to be because I'm sure you're up there looking down on us. Rest easy Stephen, you'll be missed by all...

...Stephen, it has been a delight to know that you were my friend. You meant so much to so many people, and for that you have left an everlasting mark on this school and humanity. You were the best friend to so many people, it's incredible :) You will be missed. RIP...

...Rest in peace Stephen. You were truly an amazing person. I will mIss you soo much. I know your in heaven looking down on us all. God bless your family. This should never have happened to you. You were one of the nicest people I've ever met. u r gonna b missed...

...You deserve better than this, we miss you...

...i'll miss you hun. your smile, your laugh and just you. this shouldn't have happened. especially to someone like you...

...No one knows the full story other than the family....

...Let's not point the finger of blame when nobody but him and his father know the full story...

...ill always remember the memories i had with you. i have known you my whole life & im gonna miss you so much. oxford rd will never be the same. your whole family is in my prayers. i love you so much

...i absolutly have no words for what has happen...i knew you and you were the most kind and caring guy. im thankful for being able to know you. u have no idea how many people you impacted. honestly no one could ever have anything bad to say about you. i still cant even comprehend what had happened...

...you were the nicest kid i ever met...

...i can't believe this. . . stephen was the sweetest kid in the WORLD! i was just talking to him today in chorus and had a great time in communications with him. we will never forget you stephen! you were the nicest guy i ever have known and you will never be forgotten! rest in peace stephen...

...rest easy , your gone and he's going to pay for what he did.. god doesn't like ugly.. too young R.I.P stephen your in all of our hearts...

...i can't believe this! It seems so unreal, saw you in 4th period today. you were such a nice guy...

...i love you stephen rest easy. you were nothing short of incredible...

...Stephen! you were sooo sweet and this is not fair! i cant believe your gone...im glad i got to see you today, ill always remember you! - rest easy...

...Please everyone understand. We Don't Know the whole Story of what happened today...

...Stevie, words can not express the sadness we all feel over the loss of you. I always considered you and the rest of your family like my own. Being friends with Kris and getting to spend so much time with your family were some of the greatest moments in my life throughout middle school and high school. You and Drew were always like the little brothers I never had. You will be missed dearly by all. You were a bright and funny kid with such a big heart. We all miss and love you so much. rest easy kid...

...we'll miss you so much Stephen. you will most certainly never be forgotten...we love you...

...dude you were an awsome neighbor and funny dude im gonna miss you bud...

...You were the sweetest, funniest, nicest person Stephen, and I'll miss you. RIP...

...I don't believe this ... I've known you since middle school and haven't talked to you since ninth grade, but every time we did talk you were so kind and helpful..I'll always remember your kindness.. RIP Stephen...

...We were in Spanish together in 9th grade, and it was so nice to see someone with a smile on his face everyday. You have such a good heart, and you are truly loved. RIP...

...I just saw you today at lunch and I wish i couldve had one last goodbye. I'm going to miss you so much Steven. You were such a fantastic person and always had a smile on your face. I'll never forget our times at applebees and midweek. RIP...

...Stephen you were like my brother. I caint belive this is real but I love you , you are in my whole families blessings . You were one of a kind, I love you will always remeber the times we had...

...You were one of my best friends ill never forget you R.I.P...

...stephen you were such an amazing person. your smile and laugh always lightened the mood and your presence could brighten everybodys day. ill cherish the times in chorus and when we used to have neighborhood get togethers. ill miss and love you forever...

...stephen you were one of the sweetest and funniest people i knew...

...Stephen, i only met you a few times, but you seemed like a great, funny, nice guy who loved life and never took anything for granted. we will all miss you greatly, and i hope that all of us don't remember your death, but the life you lived. You definitely did not deserve this. Rest In Peace, our prayers are with you...

...you were the nicest person at horsham, you were cute,funny I'm really sad that this has happened. RIP stephen - I'll never forget you...

...Stephen, I know I didn't know you as well as Nicole did but every time I think of you now, I remember you and Nicole, Shannon, Amanda, and Alexa hanging out and laughing. Every time I saw you, you always got excited to see me and I'll miss you're smile forever. I can't believe you're gone and I wish you weren't. So many people miss you so much. And even though I wasn't as close to you as some other people, I'll always miss seeing you at random times and talking to you. You mean more to more people than you'll ever know and I'll miss you so much. See you up there, rest in peace. Love you...

...You were one of my first friends when i moved here. Thanks for being nice to "the new kid". i will remember your kindness. I regret we didnt talk much this year though. Everyone will miss you! R.I.P...

...Always loved and never forgotten....thank you Stevie for always being there when I needed you. You've always been the greatest friend anyone could ever have. You're funny sweet and sensitive and don't ever change. I wish I could have told you how much you actually meant to me. I always thought of you as another one of my brothers. You've sprouted your wings and flew away and now you're in a better place. I'll always remember you Stephen. I'll always love you. Rest easy bro.....rest easy...

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