Eugene Man Convicted in Fatal Drunken Driving Crash on Amazon Trail
EUGENE, Ore. — Scott Shawn Stolarczyk, now 52, was found guilty today in Lane County Circuit Court on charges of Manslaughter in the Second Degree and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants in connection with the death of 79-year-old Sharon Johnson Schuman.
Stolarczyk was placed in the Lane County Jail following the verdict. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. The conviction on second-degree manslaughter carries a Measure 11 mandatory minimum sentence of 6 years, 3 months in prison.
The verdict stems from a deadly incident on the morning of April 23, 2025, when Stolarczyk, driving a Toyota RAV4 northbound on the “S curves” in the 2500 block of Amazon Parkway, lost control of his vehicle. The SUV veered over a curb, crossed a grassy area, struck Schuman as she was on the Amazon bark path (also known as the Amazon Running Path or Trail), then hit a tree and rolled into the Amazon slough. Schuman, a former University of Oregon professor, respected musician, writer, and civic advocate, was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a search warrant affidavit, Stolarczyk had a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.196 nearly an hour after the crash, nearly three times Oregon’s legal limit of 0.08. At that level, individuals typically exhibit severe intoxication, including significant impairment to coordination, judgment, and cognitive function, along with visible signs such as slurred speech, stumbling, or confusion.
Stolarczyk was initially trapped in the vehicle but escaped through the rear window and was hospitalized. He was charged with second-degree manslaughter and DUII. A Lane County grand jury indicted him on those charges on June 4, 2025, and he was booked into the Lane County Jail the following day. The case number is 25CR30103.
The trial, which began March 31, 2026, before Circuit Court Judge Debra K. Vogt, featured eyewitness testimony, video evidence, and details of the crash path. Prosecutors argued the high level of intoxication and the manner of driving supported the charge that resulted in today’s guilty verdict on second-degree manslaughter and DUII. The defense had argued that a coughing fit that lead to a blackout had caused the crash, and not alcohol.
Stolarczyk is now in custody awaiting sentencing.
Details drawn from Lane County court records, Eugene Police Department information, Lane County Jail records, and prior public reporting on the case.
Stolarczyk was placed in the Lane County Jail following the verdict. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. The conviction on second-degree manslaughter carries a Measure 11 mandatory minimum sentence of 6 years, 3 months in prison.
The verdict stems from a deadly incident on the morning of April 23, 2025, when Stolarczyk, driving a Toyota RAV4 northbound on the “S curves” in the 2500 block of Amazon Parkway, lost control of his vehicle. The SUV veered over a curb, crossed a grassy area, struck Schuman as she was on the Amazon bark path (also known as the Amazon Running Path or Trail), then hit a tree and rolled into the Amazon slough. Schuman, a former University of Oregon professor, respected musician, writer, and civic advocate, was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a search warrant affidavit, Stolarczyk had a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.196 nearly an hour after the crash, nearly three times Oregon’s legal limit of 0.08. At that level, individuals typically exhibit severe intoxication, including significant impairment to coordination, judgment, and cognitive function, along with visible signs such as slurred speech, stumbling, or confusion.
Stolarczyk was initially trapped in the vehicle but escaped through the rear window and was hospitalized. He was charged with second-degree manslaughter and DUII. A Lane County grand jury indicted him on those charges on June 4, 2025, and he was booked into the Lane County Jail the following day. The case number is 25CR30103.
The trial, which began March 31, 2026, before Circuit Court Judge Debra K. Vogt, featured eyewitness testimony, video evidence, and details of the crash path. Prosecutors argued the high level of intoxication and the manner of driving supported the charge that resulted in today’s guilty verdict on second-degree manslaughter and DUII. The defense had argued that a coughing fit that lead to a blackout had caused the crash, and not alcohol.
Stolarczyk is now in custody awaiting sentencing.
Details drawn from Lane County court records, Eugene Police Department information, Lane County Jail records, and prior public reporting on the case.
Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest crime watch group in Lane County, Lane County Mugshots Uncensored, which currently has over 90,900 members. Support for local journalism is essential, and donations can be made via Venmo to @Michael-Weber-379 (last four digits of phone number: 0825).
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