Uncle Devastated Niece Found Dead In New London Hotel
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He wishes his warnings about her boyfriend didn't go ignored. Video by nbc26.com
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The small town of New London is in shock after a woman is found strangled-to-death at a hotel.
23-year-old Kevin Lombard of Richfield is in jail accused of choking his girlfriend 18-year-old Amelia Schmitz during an argument. It happened at America's Best Value Inn around 2:30 Friday morning.
The victim's devastated uncle Leon Schmitz spoke with NBC 26. His niece was only dating Lombard for about four months. He wishes the family's warnings about him didn't go ignored.
"It's just terrible. This should not have happened," said Schmitz. "We're devastated. She's my Godchild. I've been looking out for her since she was a little baby."
Schmitz believes Amelia was trying to run away with Lombard.
"She tried to help everybody she possibly could help. I guess she was trying to help him. He's been in and out of jail I guess," said Schmitz.
The couple stopped at this hotel in New London Thursday night, when things started to escalate.
"I heard emotion upstairs," said Tom Ritchie who was staying in a room below the couple. "I heard banging on the floor. That part woke me up. Next thing you know the cops are here."
Officers found Amelia lying in the room after Lombard reportedly choked her. But it was too late. Lombard was taken into custody.
Now Schmitz is left without his niece.
"All I can say is kids listen to your parents. They know better than you do. Even if you're 18 and you think you can get away with everything. It's not true," said Schmitz. "It's devastating on us because it's just not right."
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