Citizens For A Better Norwood

Friday, January 07, 2011

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.