Schmidt charged in

Firefighter faces three counts

Updated: Monday, 20 Apr 2009, 5:13 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 20 Apr 2009, 4:13 PM CDT

APPLETON - Appleton firefighter Scott Schmidt was formally charged Monday with three counts in connection with a shooting Friday that left his wife dead and mother-in-law injured.

Schmidt was charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the death of Kelly Schmidt, 29. If convicted, he would face a mandatory term of life in prison.

Schmidt was charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide for allegedly shooting his mother-in-law Barbara Wing, 56.

She was released from the hospital Friday. If convicted, the count carries a maximum of 60 years in prison.

Prosecutors also filed a count of bail jumping.

Scott Schmidt appeared in Outagamie County Circuit Court Monday, where bond was set at $1 million by Court Commissioner Brian Figy.

A defense lawyer requested a competency exam, which is granted automatically. No future court dates were set.

Kelly Schmidt worked at Theda Clark Medical Center on the fourth and fifth floors at, although she had recently joined staffing resources as she pursued her education to become a paramedic. 

The hospital issued a statement Monday:

"Her co-workers described Kelly as a bright spot in their day," said Kathryn Correia, president, Appleton Medical Center and Theda Clark Medical Center. "She was caring, compassionate, dedicated, soft-spoken, sincere, and always came to work with a positive attitude and a smile.

Her co-workers are creating a journal for Kelly's children, are collecting donations for the family, and will wear ribbons in her honor. We extend our deepest sympathies to her friends, family, and co-workers, and our gratitude that she touched our lives in the short time she was with us."