Illinois man mistakes sister-in-law for intruder, fatally shoots her on Christmas: docs

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (WGN) — An Illinois woman was shot and killed by her brother-in-law who mistook her for an intruder on Christmas morning, according to court documents.

Daniel Garcia, 52, is facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter after police responded at around 7:20 a.m. to the 1800 block of Carlisle Court on the report of a person shot.

At the scene, officers located Kellie Barnett, 50, of New Lenox, with a gunshot wound to her torso. She was pronounced dead at St. Alexius Medical Center.

Police allege that Barnett was staying the night with her relatives when her brother-in-law, Garcia, woke up and shot her after mistakenly thinking Barnett was an intruder.

A Glock 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene and Garcia has a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) and CCL, according to court records.

Prosecutors allege that Garcia admitted to the shooting in the 911 call and provided the location and make of the firearm.

Barnett was staying in a spare bedroom and was shot in Garcia and his wife's bedroom, court documents state.

He went on to tell responding officers that he kept the handgun in a holster on the side of his bed and that he forgot that Barnett was staying with them.

Garcia was ordered detained Friday and his next court date is scheduled for Jan. 17. If convicted, he faces three to 14 years in prison.