Fatal shooting incident in Wayne County

On Sept. 9 around 12:42 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police responded to the residence of Bertrand and Donna Schroeder, Newfoundland, for a report of a shooting.

Donna Schroeder sustained a bullet wound to the neck and was life-flighted to CMC Hospital, Scranton, where she later succumbed to her wound, according to the PSP report.

No one else was in the home at the time of the incident, but 50 beagles were found without clean or sanitary shelter and were also without water. Many of the dogs are young puppies.

The residence was found to be deplorable for both human and animal welfare, the report stated.

All the dogs are currently being cared for at Dessin Animal Shelter in Honesdale.

The shelter is looking for donations including food, towels and blankets. Monetary donations are also needed.

"It costs a lot to help these animals," says Dara Coslett-Granza, Executive Director for Dessin. "Most of the beagles have to get spade or neutered too."

The beagles range from four weeks to seven years. They have different markings and there is a mixture of males and females. Some are still nursing.

"We have already started accepting applications for adopting the beagles," she says. "The dogs should be ready within three weeks."

Applications for adoption can be found at www.dessinshelter.com or by coming into the shelter. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.

Most of the dogs are currently in foster homes. Coslett-Granza explains that Dessin can only hold 20 dogs at once and they already had 28 on their premises before the beagles were brought in.

Luzerne Couty Humane Society is taking 15 dogs and Bucks County will also be taking some.

Anyone interested in donating or adoption should contact Dessin Animal Shelter at 253-4037.

Bertrand Schroeder was charged with criminal homicide, persons not to possess firearms and cruelty to animals, according to court documents. He was arraigned by Judge Mikulak Sunday with no bail.

A court date has been set for Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. in central court.

The investigation continues.