Model Mother and Daughter Granted Protection from Alleged Stalker
A Los Angeles court has issued long-term restraining orders protecting supermodel Cindy Crawford and her daughter, model and actress Kaia Gerber, from an alleged stalker. Daniel Lee Schoonover, 35, has been legally commanded to maintain a distance of at least one hundred yards from the two women, their homes, workplaces, and vehicles.
A Pattern of Disturbing Encounters
The legal action follows a series of alarming incidents detailed in court documents. The situation began when Schoonover allegedly appeared at a theatre in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where Kaia Gerber was performing in the play White Girls Gang. In a bizarre turn of events, he is said to have asked the young actress to participate in a seance.
Months later, the alleged harassment moved closer to home. Security camera footage captured Schoonover, dressed in black, outside Cindy Crawford's residence in southern California. Crawford stated he rang the doorbell and inquired if Gerber lived at the property, to which Crawford responded no.
Threats and Emotional Distress
The case took a more sinister turn with the emergence of threatening social media communications. Court papers described comments left by Schoonover as 'threatening, sexually graphic and extremely concerning.'
In her petition, Cindy Crawford expressed profound fear, writing, 'I am very troubled by this situation and it has caused me severe emotional distress.' She revealed her terror that Schoonover had threatened to murder her and her husband, Rande Gerber, adding, 'I fear for my daughter's safety and I fear for my safety as well.'
Echoing her mother's distress, Kaia Gerber stated the stalking and threats have caused her 'severe emotional distress and anxiety,' feelings that were compounded after seeing his social media posts and learning of his attempt to locate her home.
Court-Ordered Protection and Firearm Surrender
At a hearing in Los Angeles, the court granted the requests for protection for both women and for Rande Gerber. In a significant stipulation, Schoonover was ordered to hand over a firearm registered in his name within 24 hours of the restraining order being granted.
This is not the first such ordeal for Cindy Crawford, who faced another alleged stalking incident in 2022. The new restraining orders are designed to provide long-term security for the family following these persistent and frightening encounters.
