Shannon Joy Schell was intent on hiking the Tanque Verde Ridge trail to Manning Camp in Saguaro National Monument East - a 32-miles round trip. It was a hike she failed to complete during a previous attempt.
On Oct. 12, 1994, she parked her Camaro at the trailhead, locked her valuables in the trunk and set off alone. She was carrying a couple of water bottles, some snacks, a few extra pieces of clothing, cigarettes, lipstick and cough drops. Eight days later, she was presumed dead after an intensive search failed to turn up the petite 34-year-old recreational hiker.
STATUS
More than 120 searchers, using tracking dogs, helicopters and infrared sensors, spent over 2,000 hours looking for Schell.
The case is now considered dormant, said Deputy Dawn Barkman, spokeswoman for the Pima County Sheriff's Department. It has been more than a year since it was last reviewed, and there are no new theories or evidence pertaining to Schell's whereabouts.
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS
"Her intent was to go to Manning Camp, which is a significant hike. It's very steep terrain," said Bob Love, chief ranger at Saguaro National Park.
The 15 miles of trail to Manning Camp would be a challenge even for experienced hikers, Love said. Schell wouldn't have been able to complete the round trip in one day.
Dehydration and exposure are risks even in cooler months, including October, when Schell set out. Hikers can underestimate the amount of water they need and the extra clothing they should carry when the weather is temperate, he said.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Star will feature some of the Tucson-area crimes that remain unsolved - sometimes many years later.
Anyone with information is urged to call 88-CRIME. Tips also can be submitted online at www.88crime.org; or by text message at 274637, then enter tip259 plus your text message.
Contact reporter Kimberly Matas at kmatas@azstarnet.com or at 573-4191 if you have been a victim of an unsolved crime or if you are related to a victim.
Billy Montoya Jr.
