Robert "Joey" Schofield, a 32-year-old white male from Murrayville, Illinois, was found dead on October 8, 2020. Joey was last seen on October 4, 2020, and was reported missing the following day after he failed to show up for work at Nestle in Jacksonville. His vehicle was discovered abandoned near the site where he was building a home. After an extensive search by law enforcement, family, and friends, Joey's body was found buried in a field on Gobbler Road. The cause of death was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into Joey's death led to the arrest of his cousin, Kenneth J. Acree, a 35-year-old white male, who was charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a homicide. Kenneth lived on Gobbler Road, the same road where Joey's body was found. Shortly after Kenneth's arrest, his wife, Laura C. Acree, a 29-year-old white female, was also charged with concealment of a homicide and obstruction of justice. Additionally, Joey's wife, Sara M. Schofield, a 29-year-old white female, was charged with the same offenses.
The legal proceedings for the case have been ongoing. Kenneth Acree's defense has argued that the killing was in self-defense, citing Joey's alleged violent tendencies. The court has yet to reach a verdict, and the trial is set to continue with pre-trial hearings scheduled. Both Laura Acree and Sara Schofield were released on bond and are awaiting their respective court dates. The case has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of multiple family members and the tragic nature of Joey's death.
