Pa. State Police Firearms Instructor Charged In Accidental Shooting Death of Fellow Trooper
By Brad Segall and David Spunt
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. (CBS) -- A Pennsylvania State Police corporal is now under arrest in Montgomery County, charged in connection with the fatal shooting last year of another trooper at the Public Safety Training Campus, in Plymouth Township.
Prosecutors say Richard Schroeter was conducting a firearms training session at the facility in late September, to transition the troopers to a new firearm. Shortly after the session began, prosecutors say, Schroeter was discussing trigger mechanics when he pulled the trigger on his duty-issued gun.
The firearm discharged a live round, killing Trooper David Kedra.
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Christine Kedra, Trooper Kedra's sister, spoke to Eyewitness News.
"It's still hard to believe that I'm never going to see him again," Christine Kedra told Eyewitness News.
A grand jury investigation of the event has now led to five counts of reckless endangerment against the Schroeter, 42, of Royersford, Pa.
The grand jury found there was not enough evidence to support an involuntary manslaughter charge, but found that Schroeter did not follow necessary precautions and breached routine even though he is a highly qualified instructor.
"He died serving and protecting and it is the system that is doing him injustice. We are outraged," Kedra said.
"You treat every firearm as if it's loaded," Kedra told Eyewitness News.
Schroeter's attorney released the following statement:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kedra family for the loss of son, Trooper David Kedra.
Cpl. Schroeter is wracked with remorse over the loss of a fellow Trooper. He regrets that his actions unintentionally caused Trooper Kedra's death. Cpl. Schroeter cared deeply for Pennsylvania State Police and his fellow Troopers, which makes the death of Trooper Kedra at his hand all the more unfathomable.
Cpl. Schroeter is a 20 year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police. He received a Commendation for rescuing a woman from burning building while on patrol. He has also spent the last 14 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Trappe Fire Company."
Schroeter remains free on $50,000 bail and has already waived his preliminary hearing.
