Father of Suspected Teen Murderer in Custody

The father of a teen shooter believed to be the gunman who shot and killed another 17-year-old last June, was taken into custody on Tuesday.

Lothar Schafer, 57, the father of Conrad Schafer, 15, was arrested by Polk County deputies.  The elder Schafer has been charged with culpable negligence and allowing unlawful possession of a firearm.

Investigators say, Lothar Schafer purchased a .45 caliber Hi Point carbine rifle for his 15-year-old son, Conrad, which the boy used to shoot and kill David Guerrero, 17, as he walked to a bus stop to go to work on June 26.  As well, Conrad also terrorized several communities in Kissimmee, as he used the rifle in multiple shooting incidents in June.

At the time of Conrad Schafer’s arrest for the murder of Guerrero, investigators also charged an acquaintance, David Dumas, with one count of being an accessory in the murder.  Both Dumas and Conrad Schafer face additional charges in nine other shooting incidents.

Meanwhile, Lothar Schafer could face a judge as early as Wednesday.

Kissimmee Police Chief Lee Massie at a Kissimmee Commission Meeting Tuesday, paid tribute to all those who were instrumental in apprehending the perpetrators, including members of the Central Florida Metal Detecting Club who found the piece of evidence that tied the gun to Guerrero’s killing.