La. Trooper Quits During Shooting Investigation
The Times-Picayune
METAIRIE, La. (AP) -- A state trooper accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend has resigned, state police say.
Heath Schumacher, 29, quit Feb. 20 after investigators determined he had violated Louisiana State Police policy, said Trooper Omar Landrum, a spokesman for Troop B. Landrum would not specify the policy.
Relatives of Tamatha Jo Osborne, who was killed Jan. 11, have said Schumacher shared a Slidell home with her. Osborne, 33, was on probation for several charges of obtaining prescription drugs through forgery.
State police have said that officers are required to avoid regular contact with suspected felons or persons involved in criminal behavior.
Schumacher told authorities that he shot Osborne twice in the face in self-defense at his Metairie apartment. He said she first fired a gun at him.
No criminal charges have been filed. The Jefferson Parish sheriff is investigating.
Schumacher was a narcotics officer assigned to Covington-based Troop L, which patrols northshore parishes. He served with state police for 5 1/2 years, receiving several awards, said Lt. William Davis, a state police spokesman.
Osborne’s aunt, Debbie Orange, said the family is awaiting the outcome of the sheriff’s inquiry and an investigation by the FBI.