Cleaning Of Room Led To Shooting

Kevin Schmalz, 17, shot his parents last weekend because his mother had cleaned his room and taken some of his things, prosecutors say.

Court documents the Yellowstone County attorney’s office filed Friday say the boy has admitted the shootings and the reason for them. He is charged with two counts of attempted murder.

The affidavit does not say what items his mother took, and neither prosecutors nor investigators would elaborate.

Prosecutors on Friday also filed a motion to transfer Schmalz’s case from Youth Court to District Court, where the penalties would be much more severe.

Barbara and David Schmalz were listed in serious condition after the shooting, but Barbara Schmalz has been released from the hospital, and David Schmalz now is listed in satisfactory condition.

When Kevin argued with his mother about the room, David Schmalz told his son to go to bed. When the boy refused, his father shoved him toward his room, and the boy returned with the rifle, the affidavit said.

Barbara Schmalz was shot in the chest and face, and David Schmalz was shot in the chest, but managed to take the rifle away from his son.