Schroeder claims self-defense, out on property bond

Henry Carl Schroeder, who is charged with deliberate homicide in the shooting death of Thomas Veloz in Libby Jan. 31, was released from custody on $100,000 property bond Monday.

Court records indicate Schroeder was arrested Feb. 1, after a third party reported a shooting at Schroeder’s Libby home. Investigating officers discovered the body of Veloz, covered with a blanket, in the home.

Upon questioning from officers, Schroeder admitted to shooting Veloz approximately 18 hours before the initial report was made.

Investigating officers determined Veloz had been shot at least five times, but were able to locate only two shell casings. Because of the delay in reporting and the missing shell casings, Schroeder was also charged with tampering with physical evidence.

Schroeder’s attorneys, Noel Larrivee and William Managhan of the Office of the State Public Defender, have filed a notice with the court of an affirmative defense.

The notice states “Defendant’s intention to introduce evidence at trial of the defense(s) of justifiable use of force (self defense) and defense of third persons.”

The Western News previously reported Schroeder told police he was afraid of Veloz and shot him because Veloz had threatened to kill him and Kimberlee Patterson, Veloz’ girlfriend who was present at the time of the shooting.

Noel Larrivee, Schroeder’s lead defense attorney, was unable to confirm any details of the shooting and the claim of self-defense, as a gag order has been entered on the case. Larrivee requested the order from Judge James Wheelis.

Schroeder is next due in court March 30 for an omnibus hearing.