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Discussion Topic: Please keep the DiJulius family in your prayers
Marlo Stanfield added to this discussion on March 24, 2009
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http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/03/deaths_of_spa_coowner_stacy_di.html
SAGAMORE HILLS — Stacy DiJulius was a volunteer in search of a cause, a hair stylist who gained fame leading John Robert's Spa while quietly working to help animals and abused women.
Erich Schultz was between jobs, his home foreclosed on last year. But he had passions -- his Scrabble addiction, his 1964 Malibu Blue Corvette, the Browns and the green of Northern Ireland.
DiJulius, 39, of Aurora, was married and financially well off. Schultz, 38, was single and struggling. But they became good friends anyway, laughing and drinking up life.
Their time together ended Saturday in tragedy, as they died within seconds of each other in a restaurant parking lot off Ohio 82.
Questions remain about how well the couple knew each other. Initially, authorities said the two were dating.
But several people who knew them said they were just friends. Schultz's Facebook page said he was in a relationship, though friends said they did not know with whom.
DiJulius went to Panini's Bar and Grill with some friends, and Schultz met them there later, witnesses said.
Though the why is unclear, DiJulius and Schultz began arguing inside the bar. The argument continued outside.
As Schultz pulled slowly away in a black Jeep, DiJulius attempted to get into it but fell. Summit County sheriff's deputies said Schultz's rear tire ran over DiJulius' head and back.
Schultz realized what had happened and he turned around the Jeep to check on her, kicking up dust in the parking lot. He jumped out and began wailing that it was an accident and that he didn't do it on purpose.
"He started saying, 'Oh my God! Oh my God! How did this happen?' " said Richard Walker, a witness.
Walker said he then noticed Schultz's demeanor change. Schultz calmly walked away from his friend and headed to the Jeep. Walker thought he was going to grab a cell phone.
Schultz pulled out a gun instead.
He put it to his head and shot himself, just as the paramedics pulled in to help DiJulius.
Officials have not decided whether DiJulius' death will be ruled an accident.
"It looks like an accident, but because there was a shooting afterward, we're looking at all possibilities," said sheriff's Sgt. Scott Cottle.
Autopsy reports detailing how much alcohol the couple drank won't be released for weeks.
DiJulius' husband, John, did not return a phone message seeking comment. He and his wife co-owned John Robert's Spa. The couple has three sons, ages 6, 11 and 16.
Eric Hammond, director of operations for John Robert's Spa, said DiJulius and Schultz were friends, and they had met a year ago. Denise Thompson, who worked with DiJulius at John Robert's Spa, declined to discuss the friendship.
Instead, Thompson talked about the woman who was a devoted mother who worked to help people.
"If you had a cause, she would be there to support it," Thompson said.
DiJulius grew up in Chardon and graduated from Richmond Heights High School, Thompson said. She was 21 when she married in March 1991. Two years later, John Robert's Hair Studio and Spa Inc. began. Today, the business has four salons in the eastern suburbs.
While DiJulius' career soared, Schultz struggled. But he maintained a strong spirit, his friends said.
He worked as a salesman before he lost his job. Last year, he fell behind on payments to a home on Pergl Road in Glenwillow. Court records show he owed nearly $100,000 in back payments, and the house went into foreclosure.
As the case went through Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, Schultz visited Ireland.
"He was a happy-go-lucky guy," said Rick Napoli, Schultz's best friend. "He was always there for people in their time of need."
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