In a major breakthrough, Scottsdale police have solved a decades-old cold case involving a fatal DUI accident from 1994.
The case revolves around the tragic death of 21-year-old Angela Maher, who was killed by a drunk driver on Scottsdale Road. This blog post delves into the details of the case, the investigation, and the resolution.
The Fatal DUI Accident
On July 29, 1994, Angela Maher, a 21-year-old college student, was visiting home for her mother’s birthday. Angela was known for her radiant smile and her dedication to making the world a better place.
She had founded a chapter of Students Against Drunk Driving at Xavier High School. That fateful night, she was on her way to pick up a friend from Old Town as the designated driver when her life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver.
The Perpetrator: Gloria Schultz
The driver responsible for the accident was identified as 31-year-old Gloria Schultz. Police reports indicated that Schultz had been drinking and smoking marijuana on the night of the accident.
Following the crash, Schultz fled the scene and eventually the country, leaving Angela’s family and friends devastated.
The Elusive Search for Justice
For years, Scottsdale police and Angela’s family sought justice for her untimely death. Schultz’s disappearance created a significant challenge for the investigators.
Despite being charged with manslaughter and endangerment in absentia in May 2001, Schultz remained at large. The case seemed to have hit a dead end, causing immense frustration and heartache for Angela’s loved ones.
Breakthrough in the Case
In 2018, Scottsdale police rejuvenated their efforts by creating an age progression rendering of Schultz. This new image renewed hope that the fugitive could finally be located.
The breakthrough came when Schultz’s biological brother received an anonymous call stating that Gloria, living under the alias Kate Dooley, had died of cancer in Yellowknife, Canada, in December 2019.
Investigative Efforts
Following this tip, Scottsdale police contacted Canadian authorities. They discovered that Kate Dooley had been arrested in Yellowknife in 2009 for DUI.
Despite most records being purged, the Canadian police retained her fingerprints. These were sent to the FBI, and the results confirmed that Kate Dooley was indeed Gloria Schultz.
Resolution and Closure
The confirmation that Gloria Schultz had been living under a false identity in Canada until her death brought a bittersweet closure to the case.
While the justice system never got to hold Schultz accountable during her lifetime, the truth about her identity and whereabouts finally came to light. This development provided a sense of resolution for Angela’s family, who had endured decades of grief and uncertainty.
Impact and Reflection
Angela Maher was a vibrant young woman with a promising future and a deep commitment to fighting drunk driving. Her tragic death underscores the devastating impact of impaired driving.
The resolution of her case, albeit long overdue, highlights the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and the enduring hope of a grieving family.
Conclusion
The decades-old Scottsdale cold case of Angela Maher’s death has finally been solved. Despite the years that passed, the relentless efforts of investigators and the power of modern forensic techniques brought closure to this tragic story.
Angela’s legacy as an advocate against drunk driving continues to inspire, reminding us of the importance of responsible actions and the far-reaching consequences of impaired driving.
