Loved ones seek answers in death of missing Indigenous woman found in Scottsdale canal

Vigil held for missing Indigenous woman found dead in Scottsdale canal

The death of a missing mom has sparked renewed calls for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous people after a Turquoise Alert was not issued. Police said the body of the 28-year-old was found on March 28 by someone walking near the canal. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean hears from the loved ones of Passion Schurz. 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - A vigil was held on April 1 for a young Indigenous mother who was found dead in a Scottsdale canal after she went missing from the Salt River community.

What we know:

Community members gathered at Salt River High School's football field to share in song, prayer, and remembrance of Passion Schurz. Her loved ones say she was a beautiful woman with a family she adored, including two young daughters.

Speakers said she is still with the community; in the cleansing rain this morning, in the blowing wind tonight, and in the love shared by everyone here. They added that it's important to get answers in her death as the number of missing and murdered Indigenous people continues to rise in Arizona and beyond. 

Why you should care:

Her disappearance did not trigger a Turquoise Alert, with Salt River police saying they were not aware of suspicious circumstances or danger involving her going missing.

Victoria Gonzales, a family friend and advocate for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, said she feels a Turquoise Alert should've been issued for the young mother. Her own son was murdered several years ago, and she said this brings up old wounds, but that also reminds her of the strength of the community in times of mourning.

"It's about laying baby girl to rest. It's emotional. It's devastating because it's an epidemic. It's a crisis that we have out here," Gonzales said. "It breaks my heart because she was only 28 years old, and my son was 29. People say it's another dead Indian or something like that, and we hear that, and it gets to us, especially with the young ones, the young ladies like Passion."

The backstory:

Body in canal identified as missing Indigenous mother

A body found in a Scottsdale canal has been identified as a missing mother from the Native American community. FOX 10's Jacob Luthi learns more about the death investigation. 

Scottsdale police say someone walking along the canal near Indian Bend and Hayden roads around 8 a.m. on March 28 spotted the body and called it in, prompting officers to respond and work to recover the body from the water.

Investigators said they identified Schurz based on tattoos, physical characteristics, and clothing, but what was missing were signs of trauma such as fractures, stab wounds, or gunshot injuries.

Salt River Police said they did not consider Schurz's disappearance suspicious, or that she was with anyone dangerous. Based on the evidence, they said her disappearance did not qualify as a Turquoise Alert.

A missing person flyer for Passion Schurz before she was found dead in a Scottsdale canal on March 28. (Salt River Police Department)

A statement from the department read in part:

"At the time the missing person report was taken, the information available to police did not indicate suspicious circumstances, nor was there any indication that the individual was in danger or in the company of a dangerous person.

Based on the facts known at the time of the initial report, the criteria required for the issuance of a Turquoise Alert were not met.

What's next:

Her death is still under investigation by Scottsdale police.

Map of the area where the body was found.