Woman Killed By Morris Officer After Calling Crisis Hotline: Coroner

MORRIS, IL — Grundy County Coroner John Callahan issued a press release Wednesday announcing he has completed the investigation into the shooting death of Alivia Schwab, the 40-year-old Morris woman shot and killed by an officer with Morris Police Department on the morning of Sept. 29. Schwab died in the parking lot of her apartment complex.

According to Callahan, the investigation by the Illinois State Police Crime Scene unit and Callahan’s Office indicate that Schwab was experiencing a mental health crisis while on the phone with the crisis hotline. As Morris police responded to the call, Schwab exited her apartment and began approaching officers in the parking lot while holding a knife in one hand and her cell phone in the other hand, Callahan noted.

"As she approached the officers, one officer fires four rounds at Miss Schwab resulting in three striking her," Callahan said.

Schwab was pronounced dead at the scene.

A forensic autopsy and toxicology were completed, along with many interviews. After a lengthy inquiry into this death investigation, Callahan said he has ruled the manner of death to be homicide.

"Homicide by definition is the 'death by the hands of another,'" Callahan explained.

According to the Alivia Schwab GoFundMe, "Alivia did not have any life insurance or means to pay for a funeral service. We are asking for support in helping her get the final resting services she deserves, in addition to financial support for the children to seek different counselors that cater to their special needs to help get through this difficult time."

So far, the GoFundMe has received 172 donations, totaling $12,079 toward the $15,000 goal.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Woman Killed By Morris Police Identified, GoFundMe Set Up