Bio

Eldon Michael Schurz was born on August 8, 1963. He was raised in the United States. Details about his early life are not widely available, and little is known about his family background or childhood experiences.

Eldon was of American Indian descent. He lived in Maricopa County, Arizona, where he spent much of his life. There are no major records detailing his education or early influences.

Murder Story

On December 2, 1989, Eldon Michael Schurz and his codefendant, Patrick Delmar Allison, planned to rob Jonathan Art Bahe at the City Center Motel in Maricopa County, Arizona. They intended to take money and liquor from him. When Bahe resisted their attempt to rob him, Schurz became violent. He struck Bahe multiple times in the face and head.

After the fight, Schurz found some gasoline. He doused Bahe with the gasoline and then created a trail of gasoline leading away from him. Using a cigarette lighter, Schurz ignited the gasoline, causing Bahe to catch fire. Bahe later died from his injuries.

Following the incident, Schurz and Allison fled from the scene. However, they were arrested just a few hours later. During the legal process, Allison agreed to testify against Schurz as part of a plea deal.

Schurz was charged with murder and attempted aggravated robbery. His trial began on June 6, 1990, and he was found guilty on June 11, 1990. On September 21, 1990, he was sentenced to death for the murder, along with an additional 12 years for the attempted robbery, which was increased due to his previous felony convictions. The court found the crime to be especially heinous, and there were no mitigating circumstances that would lead to a lighter sentence.