New Lenox Woman, 50, Fatally Shot By Brother-In-Law Christmas Morning

SCHAUMBURG, IL — A New Lenox woman died Christmas morning after being shot by her brother-in-law, who told police he mistook her for an intruder in his home, according to court documents.

Police were called just before 7:30 a.m. Dec. 25 for a report of a shooting in the 1800 block of Carlisle Court in Schaumburg. Police found Kellie Barnett, 50, of New Lenox, with a gunshot wound to her torso. Barnett, who also went by Hummel-Barnett, was pronounced dead at St. Alexius Medical Center.

Charged in her death is Daniel Garcia, 52, Barnett's brother-in-law and a resident of the home.

Barnett had been visiting the Schaumburg home for the Christmas holiday, according to a proffer from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The three had spent Christmas Eve night watching Christmas movies and making homemade gifts, before all three went to sleep around 3 a.m. Barnett was staying in a guest bedroom.

Around 7:15 a.m., Barnett's sister awoke to a gunshot, and found Barnett wounded just outside their bedroom door.

Garcia reportedly called 911 and, while on the call, confessed to shooting his sister-in-law, prosecutors allege. He told police he had forgotten Barnett was in the home, and had mistaken her for an intruder. He provided the make of his handgun and told police where it could be found. Garcia also admitted to the shooting to officers on-scene, prosecutors said.

A search of the home turned up a Glock 9mm handgun. Garcia holds a valid FOID and CCL.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the cause of death to be gunshot wound of the chest and manner of death to be homicide.

Garcia appeared at an initial court hearing Friday and was ordered detained, with the next court date set for Jan. 17 in Rolling Meadows. Involuntary manslaughter of a family member carries a penalty of 3 to 14 years. It is a probationable offense, court records show.