Remembering Jeff Schumacher

 

A Robbery Gone Wrong

On September 7th, 1989, Jack Quinn and his friend Mark Gildemeister spent the day doing drugs. They then drove around rural Putnam County, Ohio looking for a house to burglarize. Jack Quinn dropped Mark Gildemeister off at what looked like a good house and went to park on the nearby side road to keep watch. After knocking on the front door and getting no answer, Gildemeister went to the back patio doors and kicked them in.

Jeffrey Schumacher, age 34, was the oldest of four children. He was the only son of two loving parents. Jeff was a hard worker, working a full-time factory job and farming his family’s 3rd generation farm. Jeff and his wife Nancy built their home on the family farm and had two young daughters. After a long shift at work, Jeff came home and saw his patio doors were kicked in. He went to the back of the house, where Mark Gildemeister confronted him. A struggle ensued and Gildemeister stabbed Jeff in his neck, cutting his jugular vein. Jack Quinn quickly came to the aid of Gildemeister and they fled the scene in Quinn’s car.

Dying Words Identify Two Killers

Jeff ran across the yard, attempting to summon help at the roadside. He was bleeding so profusely at that time that two neighbor women passing in their car were too frightened to stop and help. Jeff was somehow able to drive his car one-half mile to his parents’ home. As his father frantically called for the EMS, Jeff was able to recount to his mother what had happened, the color, make and model of the car. Jeff told his mother he was going into shock. After telling her he loved her, he died in her arms.

Gildemeister and Quinn were arrested a short time later thanks to the information Jeff provided before he died. In order to avoid the death penalty, Gildemeister admitted to stabbing Jeff and detailed the entire burglary plan. Gildemeister was convicted of aggravated murder and aggravated burglary and received a sentence of 30 years to Life.

Quinn was convicted of complicity to involuntary manslaughter and complicity to aggravated burglary. Although Quinn did not commit the murder, there is no doubt he was a key component of the crime. At trial, Judge Basinger stated, “The Court feels that you were an integral part of the aggravated burglary in this case and the resulting homicide in this case.” Judge Basinger also stated, “In reviewing this case, it is clear to this Court that you, Mr. Quinn, pose a clear and continuing danger to others in light of your past, both in criminal cases and your drug use. As judgment for the acts in this case and as a result of your past background, this Court feels that you should be incarcerated for as long a period as legally possible.” Judge Basinger then sentenced Quinn to serve 15-50 years in prison.

A Long Criminal History and Opposition To Parole

At the time of the crime, Quinn had an extensive criminal history. His criminal history included five counts as a juvenile, including Attempted Theft and multiple instances of Possession of Controlled Substance (Marijuana). Quinn also had an additional five counts as an adult, including Minor Consuming/Public Intoxication, Possession of a Handgun without a Permit, and an instant offense of two counts of Burglary Class B Felony. After serving one year of the five-year prison sentence for the Class B Felony, Quinn violated probation when he attacked off-duty Terre Haute Police Officer James Clayton. Quinn battered Officer Clayton and knocked him unconscious. Quinn was wanted for this parole violation when he participated in the murder of Jeff Schumacher.

In a letter sent to the Ohio Parole Board, former Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Gerschutz reiterated Judge Basinger’s opinion. Mr. Gershutz stated, “It is my belief that Mr. Quinn was the principal motivator of this burglary. He was the brains behind the operation that had a younger Mr. Gildemeister performing burglary so that they could steal money to obtain drugs. While this offense was being committed, there was a warrant issued by Indiana for the arrest of Mr. Quinn on a probation violation. Mr. Quinn was on probation at the time of this offense for burglary. Mr. Quinn ought to serve the maximum time permitted by law for this offense. I strenuously object to his release.”

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UPDATE: Accomplice Jack Quinn was granted parole and he was released February 3, 2020. Per Roberta’s Law he will be under supervision for five years. We hope Mr. Quinn is rehabilitated however based on the nature of the crime we continue believe he remains a potential threat to the community.