A 28-year-old woman who had been reported missing six days earlier was discovered dead in a Scottsdale canal.
Passion Schurz was reported missing by the Salt River-Pima-Maricopa Indian Community on March 22. Her body was discovered March 28 in a canal near Indian Bend and Hayden roads.
She was last seen around four miles distant, at her family home on tribal grounds near Hobson and Jackrabbit roads.
According to Aaron Bolin of the Scottsdale Police Department, a fatality investigation is underway.
Police and firefighters were called to the scene after a passerby walking along the canal noticed the body in the water.
According to Bolin, responding police and fire officers worked with SRP and CAP to recover the corpse from the lake and began the death investigation.
Scottsdale cops and crime scene specialists arrived on the site to gather evidence.
Scottsdale officers worked with the Maricopa County Medical Examiner to identify the lady based on tattoos, physical traits, and clothing description, Bolin said.
Dental records will be utilized to confirm her identity as soon as feasible.
Bolin stated, “There were no fractures, stab wounds, or gunshot wounds.” The medical examiner is currently determining the official cause of death. We’ve been advised that the whole report, including toxicology, will not be ready for several weeks.
Bolin further stated that “Scottsdale detectives are working with Salt River Police investigators and the medical examiner to thoroughly investigate this case and piece together how Passion died and ended up in the canal.”
“Passion’s family has been notified of this tragic outcome, and Scottsdale PD’s crisis counselors helped with the notification and are working to support the family along with Salt River Police Department resources,” Bolin said.
“We extend our most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and community during this difficult time.”