A Minnesota man has been accused of murdering the older roommate he was supposed to care for. Authorities say the suspect used the victim’s own rifle in what is now being treated as a premeditated killing.
Suspect and Charges
The man charged is 36-year-old Jacob John Audie. A Dakota County grand jury indicted him on two charges:
First-degree premeditated murder
Second-degree intentional murder
Originally, Audie faced only the second-degree charge when the victim, 72-year-old Michael Maurice Schille, was found dead in April.
The Night of the Shooting
On April 11, around 8:50 p.m., South St. Paul police received a 911 call from Audie himself. He admitted to officers that he had shot his roommate.
When police entered the apartment, they found Schille on a couch in his bedroom. He had a gunshot wound to the left side of his face and was holding a TV remote in his hand. Medics confirmed he was dead at the scene.
Investigators also found the AR-style rifle in the living room, a magazine on a nearby table, and a single bullet on the couch. Audie later told officers that he shot Schille with the victim’s own gun before calling 911 to report what he had done.
Caretaker Turned Suspect
According to police, Audie had been living with Schille for one to two years as his caretaker. He was taken into custody outside the apartment building shortly after the shooting. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, leaving family members struggling for answers.
Family’s Reaction
Schille’s family described him as a veteran who always stayed positive despite health struggles. His daughter, Jessica Comer, said there had been no signs of tension before the tragedy.
“It doesn’t make sense,” Comer said in disbelief. His obituary described him as someone who had “a contagious laugh” and always looked for the silver lining. “Michael lost his life at the hands of someone he trusted,” it read.
Medical Examiner’s Findings
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Schille died from a gunshot wound to the face. His death was officially ruled a homicide.
Possible Sentence
If convicted of first-degree premeditated murder, Audie faces life in prison without parole. His next court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, where prosecutors are expected to push forward with the upgraded charges.
The case of Jacob Audie and Michael Schille highlights a tragic betrayal of trust. A man who was meant to provide care is now accused of ending the life of the very person he lived with and supported.
With the possibility of life in prison, the trial ahead will focus on whether the killing was truly planned or an impulsive act. For Schille’s family, however, the painful truth remains: they lost a loved one at the hands of someone he depended on.
