"They deserved a chance to realize their dream."
Trigger Warning: The following article mentions gun violence which some readers may find distressing.
Steven and Mina Shulz, both 51, were tragically killed in August 2022, a month before they were set to open their own brewery. The devoted couple was murdered in their Washington State home by Shaun D. Rose, 40, after he attempted to rob them. Rose was confronted by the couple's daughter months after she lost her parents. Rose received a 66-year prison term on Wednesday, March 8, reported The News Tribune.
Rose entered a guilty plea to two counts of first-degree murder of the couple who were discovered deceased on their Olalla property on August 18, 2022. The couple's daughter addressed the man, demanding answers at the Kitsap County Superior Court during the sentencing hearing on March 8. "My parents were robbed of their lives and robbed from my life," the daughter said, per King-TV. "He ended their future, their place in my life. I lie awake haunted by thoughts of what my parents went through in their final moments."
Steven and Mina's daughter was the one to report the horrifying incident. She visited the couple's home at around 5:15 p.m. on the day of the tragedy to see how they were doing. When she first arrived at the house, she couldn't locate them but discovered broken glass and bloody remnants in their bedroom. She then made a police report.
The couple was discovered shot to death in a garbage can by Kitsap County deputies when they arrived. In addition, they found evidence of a break-in and several missing things from the house, including Mina's wallet. "Imagine your child coming to check on you and to find that kind of a scene," Lt. Ken Dickinson said, per PEOPLE.
An obituary honoring the couple's life states that Steven first encountered Mina while serving in the US Air Force and stationed at the Yokota Air Base in Japan. In 1993, the pair got hitched. According to their obituary, the Shulzes, who ran East 2 West Brewing, were murdered just three weeks before they were set to launch their first brewery. "People would always assume Steven was the brewer, but anyone who knew them knew that Mina was the real mastermind behind the beer and her approach shook the male-dominated field," the obituary talked of the couple.
Kitsap County Sheriff's Detectives are asking for your help to find Shaun D. Rose who is accused of murdering Steven and Mina Shulz. Rose is armed, likely driving a stolen vehicle and may be in Tacoma, Spanaway or Yakima. Call 911 or @CrimeStopPuget. https://t.co/n71962SGtL pic.twitter.com/YIYIssLmhV
— David Rose (@DavidRoseFOX13) August 21, 2022
"In the last few years of their lives together they truly had a wonderful time brewing beer, drinking beer, playing with their fat cats Milo, Otis, Smokey, and Blackey, and making lasting memories with friends and the community," the obituary shared.
"It's just senseless," the couple's friend, Dwaine Weyland previously shared. "They deserved a chance to realize their dream. They deserved a chance to continue their life because all they did was contribute good to the world."
One of my friends & former #military buddies was murdered along with his lovely wife. 💔 Steve & Mina Shulz were loved in the community & could usually be found slinging their E2W brews. May the angels guide you home & God comfort your family. 💛#kitsapcounty #piercecounty pic.twitter.com/T692HI31n1
— K9 Salute 🐾❤🇺🇸 (@K9Salute) August 21, 2022
References:
https://people.com/crime/daughter-confronts-man-killed-couple-home/
https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/crime/article272915525.html
https://www.havenrest.com/obituary/StevenandMina-Shulz
Cover Image Source: Facebook | E2W Brewing
