Garrett Schroeder, a 22-year-old former student of Florida State University, was found dead on July 7, 2015, in Tallahassee, Florida. His death was the culmination of a tragic series of events that began with the murder of his father, Christian Schroeder, in Ormond Beach, Florida. Christian Schroeder, 61, was discovered dead in his home on July 3, 2015, by his girlfriend. The investigation revealed that Garrett Schroeder had used "extreme measures" to kill his father, including stabbing him multiple times in the back of the neck, binding his wrists, ankles, and neck with duct tape and electrical wire, and placing a plastic bag over his head. The medical examiner determined that Christian Schroeder died from asphyxiation by ligature and blunt traumatic injuries.
Garrett Schroeder's body was found in a wooded area near his apartment complex in Tallahassee, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A note was found in his hand, but the contents have not been disclosed by authorities. The case remains an active and open investigation, with the State Attorney's Office and the Ormond Beach Police Department continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the murder and suicide. Despite the apparent resolution of the case with Garrett Schroeder's death, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of other individuals being involved.
The relationship between Garrett and his father had been tumultuous for years, marked by incidents of domestic violence and legal actions. In 2014, Christian Schroeder obtained a temporary injunction for protection against his son after Garrett attacked him. Garrett was also ordered to attend anger management classes. The strained relationship extended to Garrett's mother, whom he had attacked on multiple occasions. Reports indicate that Christian Schroeder had threatened to remove Garrett from his will if he did not graduate from college by the age of 30, adding further tension to their relationship.
The tragic events of July 2015 have left many questions unanswered, and the investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the full story behind the deaths of Garrett and Christian Schroeder.
