Norwood police charge convicted felon in fatal shooting last night

Norwood police have arrested and charged Riley Feller, 25, of Norwood with reckless homicide and illegally having a weapon following a fatal shooting at about 10:00 p.m. last night at a residence in the 4500 block of Smith Road. Janice L. Svajda, 26, was shot in the chest at about 10:00 p.m. and later died at University Hospital.

Riley, a private in the U.S. Army, was one of 4 soldiers who were out drinking this past April and wanted to beat someone up. They chose a homeless man and attacked him with a baseball bat and pipe. Riley was convicted and was out of jail on his own recognizance awaiting his January 20 sentencing. He could receive 8 years for the beating.

Police are saying the shooting was accidental but have not explained how yet. Riley is being held at the Hamilton County jail.