Wilma Schwartz, a 44-year-old woman from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was tragically found dead on March 14, 2016, in Antwerp, Ohio. She was originally from the Amish community and had a son named Benjamin with her boyfriend, Daniel Zerbe. Wilma was reported missing by a neighbor on March 9, 2016, and her body was discovered by construction workers in a yard in Antwerp.
The investigation revealed that Wilma had been killed by a single gunshot wound to the head, and the bullet traveled through
her fingers, indicating a defensive injury. Authorities determined that she had been killed elsewhere and then her body was dumped in the yard. Wilma's car was found abandoned in Markle, Indiana, with significant evidence, including bloodstains and a spent shell casing.
Daniel Zerbe, Wilma's boyfriend, became the primary suspect. He had a tumultuous relationship with Wilma and a criminal history involving meth-related charges. Surveillance footage showed Daniel with another woman, Lisa King, and later buying cleaning supplies, which led authorities to believe he cleaned up after the murder. When Daniel was arrested on unrelated charges, he was found in possession of a 9mm handgun, which was confirmed to be the murder weapon.
The case was presented to the Grand Jury on May 12, 2016, and Daniel Zerbe was charged with one count of murder. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings highlighted the tragic end of Wilma Schwartz's life and the efforts of law enforcement to bring justice for her death.
