BISHOPVILLE, MD — May 13, 2025 — Maryland State Police have arrested and charged 61-year-old Bonnie Hackendorn of Bishopville in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred late Sunday night, May 12, 2025, in Worcester County. Hackendorn, who has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and related firearm offenses, is currently being held without bond at the Worcester County Detention Center. This tragic incident has rocked the small community of Bishopville, where the victim, 57-year-old David Shaulis, was found dead from a gunshot wound.

As authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Shaulis’s death, this article will delve into the details of the shooting, the police response, and the ongoing investigation. We will also explore the broader context of domestic violence, potential motives, and the community’s reaction to the loss of Shaulis, who was reportedly the victim of a violent domestic dispute.

The Fatal Incident: A Domestic Tragedy

The shooting occurred on the evening of May 12, 2025, just before 9:30 p.m., when Maryland State Police received a 9-1-1 call from Bonnie Hackendorn. Hackendorn reported that her boyfriend, David Shaulis, had been shot inside their residence, which was located in the 12,000 block of Shell Mill Road, just outside Bishopville.

Upon arrival, officers found Hackendorn inside the home and Shaulis unresponsive on the floor, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, Shaulis was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Initial reports suggest that the shooting took place inside the home, and investigators are working to determine whether this was the result of a domestic dispute or if there were other contributing factors. The investigation is still in its early stages, but the charges against Hackendorn suggest that she may have played a direct role in Shaulis’s death.

Police Response: Investigation and Arrest

Following the 9-1-1 call, troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack responded to the residence on Shell Mill Road. They arrived to find a chaotic scene and began an immediate investigation. Maryland State Police Homicide Unit detectives, along with the Criminal Enforcement Division and forensic crime scene technicians, were called to the scene to collect evidence and process the home.

A search warrant was obtained, allowing law enforcement to gather evidence from the property to help determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Evidence collected at the scene, along with information gathered during the initial investigation, led to Hackendorn’s arrest. She was taken into custody and transported to the Berlin Barrack for processing.

Hackendorn has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, as well as first- and second-degree assault. She is also facing charges related to firearm offenses. These charges indicate that authorities believe Hackendorn was involved in the shooting, although the exact details of the altercation and whether it was intentional or accidental are still under investigation.

Domestic Violence and Potential Motive

At this stage, the investigation is focusing on the relationship between Hackendorn and Shaulis. While it remains unclear what specifically triggered the altercation, the charges against Hackendorn suggest that domestic violence may have been a factor in the shooting. Domestic violence is a serious and pervasive issue in many relationships, and tragically, it often results in fatal consequences.

The case underscores the importance of understanding the dynamics of domestic violence and its potential to escalate into deadly violence. Law enforcement officials will likely investigate whether there were previous instances of abuse or violence between Hackendorn and Shaulis, as this could provide important context for understanding what led to the tragic shooting.

In domestic violence cases, the presence of firearms can significantly increase the risk of fatal outcomes. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), women are five times more likely to be killed by an intimate partner when a gun is present in the household. This highlights the danger of weapons in homes where domestic disputes are common and underscores the need for greater awareness and prevention measures to protect individuals in potentially violent relationships.

The Community Impact: Loss of a Local Resident

David Shaulis’s death has left a deep impact on the small community of Bishopville, where he was known by friends and neighbors. While little is known about his personal life or his background, his sudden death has brought the issue of domestic violence to the forefront of local discussions. The grief felt by his family and the community is compounded by the circumstances surrounding his death.

Local officials, community members, and those who knew Shaulis are now reflecting on the tragedy and offering their condolences to his family. Residents of Bishopville, which has a population of around 1,000 people, have expressed their shock at the events, with many describing the shooting as an unthinkable tragedy. As more details emerge, the community is grappling with the loss of a local man whose death is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence.

Although authorities are focused on investigating the cause of Shaulis’s death, the emotional impact on those who knew him remains at the forefront. Neighbors and friends have expressed their sympathy for Shaulis’s family, and many are offering their support during this difficult time.

Bonnie Hackendorn: A Life in Crisis

Bonnie Hackendorn, the 61-year-old woman charged in connection with Shaulis’s death, is now facing serious criminal charges. Little is known about her personal history or relationship with Shaulis, but the charges against her indicate that the fatal shooting was likely the result of a domestic dispute that escalated out of control.

Hackendorn is being held without bond at the Worcester County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on Thursday. Her arrest has raised questions about the dynamics of her relationship with Shaulis and whether she had a history of conflict or violence with him. Authorities have not yet released details about her background, but the fact that she has been charged with both murder and assault suggests that there was an intentional element to the shooting.

As the investigation progresses, it is likely that more information will emerge about Hackendorn’s relationship with Shaulis, and the circumstances that led to the tragic shooting may become clearer. Law enforcement officials will likely review any past complaints or reports of domestic violence between the two, which could provide key insights into the escalation of violence that led to the fatal incident.

The Legal Process: What’s Next for Hackendorn?

Bonnie Hackendorn is facing serious criminal charges, including first-degree murder and assault, in connection with the death of David Shaulis. If convicted, Hackendorn could face significant prison time, and the severity of the charges against her indicates that authorities believe she played a direct role in Shaulis’s death.

The legal process in cases involving domestic violence and murder is often complex and can take months or even years to resolve. Hackendorn will likely undergo a psychological evaluation to assess her mental state at the time of the crime, and her defense team may explore possible factors such as emotional distress, self-defense, or diminished capacity.

Once the case goes to trial, the prosecution will present evidence to support the charges, while Hackendorn’s defense team will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and present their own arguments. As with all criminal cases, Hackendorn is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Bigger Picture: Domestic Violence Prevention

The shooting death of David Shaulis is a tragic reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have on victims, families, and communities. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced severe intimate partner violence, including physical violence, sexual violence, and stalking with the potential for injury or death.

The tragic loss of Shaulis highlights the need for more effective domestic violence prevention programs, increased access to resources for victims, and greater awareness of the signs of abuse. Law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, and mental health professionals continue to work together to address this pervasive issue and to help prevent future tragedies like the one that occurred in Bishopville.

Conclusion: A Life Taken Too Soon

The death of David Shaulis has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the community of Bishopville. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of his death and the role that Bonnie Hackendorn played in the tragic shooting, the community is grappling with the emotional toll of losing a local man in such a violent and senseless way.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and supporting victims in abusive relationships before tragedies like this one occur. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that this tragic event will lead to greater awareness of the dangers of intimate partner violence and a renewed commitment to protecting individuals in vulnerable relationships.

May David Shaulis rest in peace, and may his family find solace in the support of their community as they navigate this difficult journey.