A gofundme account has been
established for the Schwartz Family.
Express condolences or contribute
to The Schwartz Family Fund at
www.gofundme.com/schwartz.
Community response to the Aug. 9 murder/suicide in a home on St. Mary Circle in Mount Angel has included an outpouring of support for the young woman who lost her mother to the violence.
Police were contacted about a possible hostage situation in the Mount Angel residence at 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Elizabeth Schwartz and her 15-month-old son escaped the house and alerted police.
Daniel Cuanas was reported to be armed and threatening suicide in the home of his former girlfriend and her mother, Kathy Marie Schwartz.
Mount Angel Police, Woodburn Police Department’s Tactical Services Unit, Marion County Sheriff’s deputies and Silverton police began a standoff in an attempt to diffuse the situation and get Kathy Schwartz released.
If you are a victim of domestic
violence or have concerns or
questions, there is help available.
If you are experiencing an emergency,
call your local emergency phone number.
In most communities it is 911.Portland Women’s Crisis Line
1-888-235-5333. The crisis line refers
callers to local programs.
Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Service
Provides 24-hour assistance, as well
as advocates for women and child.
It can provide shelter assistance and transportation.
Crisis number: 503-399-7722
Office number: 503-378-1572
website: www.mvwcs.com
Officers heard a gunshot about 5 a.m. By cellphone the suspect told them he had accidentally discharged a gun. When officers entered the home about 10 a.m. they found Cuanas deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A note written by the suspect said he had strangled Schwartz. Police said there were indications that her death occurred the evening of Aug. 8.
The investigation was conducted by the Mount Angel Police Department in conjunction with the Oregon State Police and the Marion County and State Medical Examiners.
On Aug. 11, Desirae Garza Riggs created a gofundme account for Elizabeth and her son Jeremiah. In one day, 22 contributors raised $1,835 to help support the young mother in her time of grief. The fund’s goal is $5,000.
“She is a single mom who needs prayers, support, and our community to come together to help her,” Riggs said in the fund description.
“Kathy Marie was an amazing person who will be missed greatly. At this time, Elizabeth does not have a plan of what the next step looks like, but I want to make sure that financially she doesn’t have to worry as she grieves and takes care of Jeremiah.”
A rosary for Kathy Schwartz was held Aug. 13 at St. Mary Catholic Church. The funeral was Aug. 14, followed by a burial at Calvary Cemetery.
Schwartz is survived by two daughters, two stepdaughters, 11 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
“Everyone who came in contact with her loved her and enjoyed her company,” Riggs said.
