DA Files Murder Charges in Cold Case 1977 Homicide

Today, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office filed one count of “Murder in the First Degree,” one count of “Aggravated Burglary,” and one count of “Aggravated Sexual Assault” against Patrick Michael McCabe in the 1977 murder of Sharon Schollmeyer.

As outlined in more detail in the accompanying Information and Statement of Probable Cause, the District Attorney’s Office alleges that Mr. McCabe broke into Ms. Scollmeyer’s home, tied her up, raped her and killed her.

“Murder in the First Degree” is a Capital Offense, punishable by up to death.  “Aggravated Burglary” and “Aggravated Sexual Assault” are First Degree Felonies, each punishable by up to life in prison.

Mr. McCabe was arrested by Salt Lake City Police officers and local law enforcement officials in Florida where he was residing.  The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office will pursue his extradition to Utah to face  thee aforementioned charges.  

The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office expresses its appreciation for and commends the diligent and professional efforts of the Salt Lake City Police Department and other law enforcement professionals who assisted in the investigation and facilitated these charges filed today.

These charges and, arrest are a significant step towards justice for the alleged victim, her family and the community in this nearly forty year old case.  

 The Salt Lake City Police Department detectives solved this case with funding assistance from a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Solving Cold Cases with DNA grant. For additional information on NIJ grant programs, please visit www.nij.gov

 Each person accused of wrongdoing is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.