DELTONA, Fla. – A man barricaded himself inside his truck with a gun Sunday before Volusia County deputies took him into custody — and he’s now charged with murdering a woman at an Altamonte Springs home earlier that afternoon.
John Schmalz-Riedt, 65, was tracked down near Howland Boulevard and State Road 415 in Volusia County after Altamonte Springs Police identified him as a person of interest in a homicide on Conrad Court. He barricaded himself in his truck with a gun, leading to a standoff before he was taken into custody.
Woman Found Shot Dead on Conrad Court
The investigation began at approximately 3:15 p.m. on August 23, 2026, when Altamonte Springs Police officers responded to a residence on Conrad Court and found an adult woman unresponsive with a gunshot wound. The Seminole County Fire Department also responded and provided emergency medical aid. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charges Filed, Held Without Bond
Detectives developed probable cause connecting Schmalz-Riedt to the woman’s death. He now faces two charges:
Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
He was transported to the Volusia County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
Tips Wanted
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact the Altamonte Springs Police Department at (407) 339-2441 or call 911. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
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