|
The grand jury cited medical testimony that revealed Schirmer likely used blunt objects to kill both his wives. "We find it particularly disturbing and difficult to believe that both of A.B. Schirmer's wives could have suffered such horrific injuries by accident. To the contrary, we believe probable cause exists to believe that neither woman died from an accident," the report said. Schirmer's attorney, James Swetz, said his client will be vindicated. Swetz's firm also released a statement from the three adult children of A.B. and Jewel Schirmer that said their father is innocent of all charges. "We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the false accusations and allegations that have been waged against our father," the statement said. "He is a compassionate and gentle man who would never harm anyone." At least one of Schirmer's former congregants, Kathy Siegrist, said she felt betrayed by the man who'd led her spiritual life for 20 years, so much so that she no longer attends a church. Siegrist -- who called herself Jewel Schirmer's best friend -- said she had always considered A.B. Schirmer, who led Bethany United Methodist Church in Lebanon, to be gentle and kind. But there were hints of a darker side, flashes of anger that Siegrist said she never saw but that her then-husband used to talk about. "The moment this happened, he told me he thinks A.B. killed her," Siegrist said. Schirmer's former flock at Bethany was shocked and upset two years ago when he was first charged with homicide. Friday's charges come as less of a surprise, said the current pastor, the Rev. Nelson Alleman, who arrived at Bethany in 2010. Alleman said he plans to speak briefly about it during worship Sunday and will tell the congregation: "We're a people of grace, we're a people of mercy, we're a people of forgiveness, and we also serve a God of justice and we are praying for justice, wherever that may be in this case."
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated
Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor