Fort Irwin Stepmother Arrested for Murder of 4-Year-Old Boy

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FORT IRWIN – The death of a 4-year-old boy led to the arrest of his stepmother officials said.

On Thursday, June 7, 2018, at around 5:30 p.m. emergency medical personnel responded to a 911 call on Rhineland Drive in Fort Irwin. The reporting party told dispatchers that Benjamin Schmittle was unresponsive. The child was rushed to the Base Hospital and subsequently airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center due to the severity of his injuries. On Friday, June 8, 2018, at around 5:20 p.m. the child was pronounced deceased.

The death of the child led to an investigation by the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigators who learned that the child’s injuries were not accidental. As a result of their findings, along with additional investigation, Rose Marie Schmittle (Tompkins), 24, of Fort Irwin, was arrested for the murder of Benjamin. She was booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

According to the family of Benjamin, his heart, liver, and kidneys have been donated. The family has started a Go Fund Me account.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, Detective David Lara at (909)387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.