KISSIMMEE, Fla. – A man accused of buying a high-powered rifle for his 15-year-old son then turning a blind eye to the teenager's deadly shooting spree bonded out of the Polk County Jail on Wednesday.
Kissimmee police said Lothar Schafer, 57, was arrested Tuesday on charges of negligence and allowing unlawful possession of a firearm. Both are third degree felonies.
Schafer was booked late Tuesday in Polk County, but paid a $1250 bond and should be out of jail by about 7 a.m. Wednesday, according to jail officials.
Schafer's son, Konrad, is in custody in Osceola County and is being charged as an adult for killing two people and shooting several homes and cars earlier this summer.
"The son was actually with the father when the father purchased the firearm. The son actually picked out the type of firearm that he wanted his dad to buy," said Kissimmee Police Chief Lee Massie.
Police said that firearm was a .45 caliber Hi Point carbine rifle that was purchased on June 24.
Detectives said Konrad later admitted he used the gun just two days later to murder 17-year-old David Guerrero for "fun" as Guerrero walked to work.
For weeks, Guerrero's family has called for the older Schafer to be charged. Relatives told Local 6 the arrest gives them some relief.
"Yeah, actually it does, it does make me happy," said Alex Guerrero, David's brother.
Investigators said Lothar even admitted that he knew his son had used the rifle, but never called police.
With his dad now facing charges, police say the 15-year-old is finally showing some concern for others.
"We knew that the father was aware that the gun had been used, so his concern was that his dad was going to get in trouble for letting him have access to the gun that was ultimately used in these crimes," said Chief Massie. "So that has been the only concern or remorse, if you want to call it that, that we've seen from Konrad."
Lothar Schafer is not allowed to possess or own any firearms or ammunition while he awaits trial.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.