Nicholas G. Schapmire, a 66-year-old Caucasian male from Ozark, Illinois, tragically passed away on May 16, 2015. He was shot by his son, Dennis F. M. Schapmire, with a .357 Magnum revolver. The bullet entered Nicholas's right upper cheek and exited his right temple, causing a large acute subdural hematoma. Nicholas succumbed to his injuries the following day at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
Dennis Schapmire was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder and
one count of aggravated battery. The trial revealed that Dennis had returned home from checking on his horse and entered the house armed with the revolver. He claimed that he believed he had removed the gun from his jacket before entering the house. However, the court found him guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced him to 50 years in prison.
The case, People v. Schapmire, saw Dennis appealing his conviction, arguing that the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury on the lesser-included offense of involuntary manslaughter. The appellate court ultimately reversed his convictions and sentence, citing the trial court's error.
Nicholas Schapmire was a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War and worked as an operator and later in the radiation department at the Dresden Nuclear Power Station in Morris, Illinois. He was a member of the Blazing Star Masonic Lodge and the Church of God of Prophecy. Nicholas enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren, and watching television shows like The Waltons and JAG.
The tragic incident and subsequent legal proceedings brought significant attention to the family and the community of Ozark, Illinois.
