A woman whose corpse was discovered in a Scottsdale canal has been identified as someone who was reported missing days before, according to a joint statement from Scottsdale and Salt River police.
Investigators, working with the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office, have identified the woman as Passion Elliah Schurz, 28, according to separate releases released on March 29 by the Scottsdale Police Department and Salt River Police Department.
Schurz was reported missing on March 22 from the Salt River-Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and discovered dead in a Scottsdale canal on March 28.
The Salt River Police Department released a missing-person poster stating that Schurz was last seen on March 19 near Dobson and Jackrabbit roads in the town. The flyer depicted her as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA, a national advocacy organization, also posted her information on March 26 and begged the public to assist in finding her.
According to Bolin, investigators recognized Schurz based on specific tattoos, physical traits, and wardrobe descriptions. One of the missing person fliers mentioned that she had a tattoo saying “Pearl” on her left arm. Police plan to utilize dental data to fully confirm her identification.
The Schurz family has been notified. Scottsdale police crisis counselors assisted with the notification and were helping the family, along with Salt River Police Department services.
Police reported no injuries consistent with fractures, stab wounds, or gunshot wounds. The medical examiner was still investigating the official cause and manner of death. A comprehensive report, including toxicology findings, was expected to take several weeks.
The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives from both agencies were working with the medical examiner to figure out how Schurz died and ended up in the canal.
The Scottsdale Police Department was in charge of the death investigation, while the Salt River Police Department handled the missing person’s case.”This is not the outcome anyone looking for Passion Schurz was hoping for,” Bolin stated. “We extend our most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and community during this difficult time.”
Anyone with information was requested to contact Scottsdale Police Department at 480-312-5000.
