Harrison murder-suicide prompts petition to remove bond option in similar criminal cases

An online petition is gaining signatures after a husband appears to have fatally shot his wife and then himself last week while he was out on bond in a felony domestic violence case.

The change.org petition asks state leaders to remove judges' ability to set any bond in cases of felony domestic violence and sexual assault.

"We demand change of the laws to keep abusers with charges of a violent nature behind bars until they have their day in court," the petition states. "Not only does the (sic) protect the community, it more importantly protects the brave survivors who come forward to report their abuse."

The petition comes amidst intense public scrutiny of Calumet County Judge Jeffrey S. Froehlich's decision to set a $10,000 cash bond after Robert K. Schmidt was charged Jan. 4 with tying up his wife at gunpoint and sexually assaulting her. The criminal complaint indicates he confirmed these events to police.

Messages left by USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin with Froehlich's office last week seeking comment were not returned.

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That bond was posted on Jan. 5, the same day that Schmidt's wife, Sara Schmidt, 40, filed for divorce, court records show. Days later, he apparently fatally shot his wife and then himself outside his parents' home in Harrison.

Authorities originally said Sara Schmidt was 38 years old but later corrected that, saying she was 40.

The number of signatures on the petition ticked up throughout the day Sunday, reaching more than 7,300 by mid-afternoon. It says the justice system let Sara Schmidt down and did not protect her.

"They let a man charged with 2 violent felonies back out into her community, into her neighborhood and it resulted in her murder," the petition states. "We cannot stand by and let such lax laws exist any further."

It is addressed to Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel, state Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, state Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, state Rep. Amanda Stuck, D-Appleton, Gov. Scott Walker and state Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine.

Legal experts told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin this week that the purpose of bond is primarily to ensure a defendant returns to court. Judges also consider factors such as protection of the public and preventing intimidation of witnesses, the gravity of the offense, potential penalties the person faces, any criminal history or history of not appearing in court, and the alleged degree of violence in the case.

Bond presents a constant struggle to ensure that victims and survivors are being protected but also that the people who are charged get due process, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin was told.

Domestic violence resources in your area

End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin resource map: http://www.endabusewi.org/gethelp/

Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs24-hour crisis helpline: 920-832-1666