The Santa Rosa community is reeling after the violent death of 47-year-old Mollie Schefer, who was found shot to death inside her home early Tuesday morning. What began as a quiet dawn was shattered by gunfire that left Schefer fatally wounded and her two dogs clinging to life.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., police were dispatched to the 1400 block of Cecilia Drive following multiple 911 calls from frightened neighbors who reported the sound of gunshots. When officers arrived, they encountered a disturbing scene: a rear sliding glass door shattered, a back gate left ajar, and signs of a forced entry that suggested someone had broken in with violent intent.
Inside, officers discovered Schefer lying unresponsive on her staircase. She had sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest. Despite efforts by first responders, Schefer was pronounced dead at the scene. Adding to the horror, her two dogs were found bleeding from gunshot wounds of their own. Miraculously, both animals survived and were rushed to receive emergency veterinary care.
Detectives from the Santa Rosa Police Department’s Violent Crimes Investigations Team quickly launched a homicide investigation. Based on initial evidence, authorities believe this was a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence, though the motive remains unclear. The suspected gunman fled the scene and has not yet been identified. Police confirmed that the murder weapon is still missing.
This marks Santa Rosa’s tenth homicide of 2025, a grim milestone underscoring growing concerns about violent crime in the area. For many residents, the tragedy has sparked both fear and sorrow, as they struggle to understand why one of their neighbors was brutally slain inside her own home.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to step forward. A $5,000 reward has been offered for tips that directly lead to an arrest in the case. Tipsters can contact investigators at 707-543-3590. Authorities stressed that even small details—such as unusual activity in the neighborhood or sightings of suspicious vehicles—could be critical to advancing the investigation.
Meanwhile, those who knew Mollie Schefer are left to grieve the sudden and senseless loss. Friends and neighbors have described her as a kind-hearted woman with a gentle spirit, someone who deeply loved her pets and cared about those around her. The image of her wounded dogs standing guard near her lifeless body has devastated many in the community, serving as a haunting reminder of both her love for her animals and the violence that claimed her life.
The case has drawn significant attention not only because of its brutality but also because of the sense of violation it represents. The idea of a targeted attack inside one’s own home, a place meant to symbolize safety and comfort, has shaken residents across Santa Rosa. Many are calling for justice for Mollie and renewed efforts to address violent crime in the city.
In the days ahead, investigators will continue piecing together what led to this horrific crime. They will review surveillance footage from the area, process forensic evidence from the scene, and interview potential witnesses. While no arrests have yet been made, authorities remain confident that with the community’s help, they will bring the perpetrator to justice.
As Santa Rosa mourns Mollie Schefer, her death serves as both a tragedy and a rallying cry for vigilance, unity, and compassion. Those who loved her are left with broken hearts, but also with determination to honor her memory by ensuring her killer is found.
For now, candles, flowers, and handwritten notes have begun appearing near her home, quiet tributes to a life stolen too soon. The community’s grief is matched only by its resolve: Mollie Schefer will not be forgotten, and justice must prevail.
