THREE OAKS WOMAN CHARGED WITH DRUG OVERDOSE DEATH OF HER HUSBAND

By: Stan Maddux
A Three Oaks woman could face a lengthy prison sentence for the drug overdose death of her husband.
Karina Schroeder, 33, is charged with delivery causing death.
Berrien County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Byrd said it’s alleged she provided the heroin and fentanyl discovered in the bloodstream of Jeremy Schroeder after his passing.
According to Three Oaks Police, the 41-year Schroeder was found on November 6 by first responders

after they were called to a medical emergency at the couple’s home on W. Locust St.
Three Oaks Police Chief Carl Kraus said officers learned there was use of narcotics while life-saving efforts were being performed on Schroeder, who was transported by ambulance to a hospital where he later died.
Kraus said there was one other person inside the apartment when first responders showed up.
He would not shed light on the individual because of the criminal charges still being undecided by the court.
Bryd said charges were not filed until recently because the test results of a blood sample taken from the body during the autopsy had to be received to move forward.
“We have to have that information to be able to charge,” she said.
Schroeder, charged in late February, waived her right for a standard preliminary exam of the allegations and has since posted bond.
A preliminary exam involves the reading of the charging information and rights of the defendant to make sure a suspect understands the accusations and process of determining guilt or innocence.
Byrd said Schroeder could face a maximum life sentence.
Her trial is scheduled to begin on June 6 if any effort to reach a plea agreement in the case fails.
Byrd also declined to reveal more details to avoid shedding light on key evidence that could sway jurors exposed to the information if the case goes to trial.