Fugitive Who Shot Wife's Boyfriend Sent to Prison

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — A Pasadena man convicted of shooting his estranged wife’s boyfriend – who then fled the state while under house arrest awaiting sentencing – was in court Monday to learn his punishment.

Dennis Patrick Schultz, 54, of Pasadena, who failed to appear for his Aug. 11 sentencing, was arrested in September about 30 miles north of San Antonio. Schultz pleaded guilty June 23, 2015, to shooting Joe Krauss of Crownsville in February 2015.

Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams said Monday that Schultz was sentenced to 58 years, with 20 years in prison and five years of probation. Schultz had pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, use of firearm in a the commission of a crime of violence, and second-degree escape.

Schultz was also sentenced to pay $4, 670 in restitution to the county.

“I appreciate Judge Keissling for recognizing that the cycle of domestic violence destroys lives, and criminals engaged in that cycle - regardless of pleas for leniency - must be held accountable,” Adams said in a statement.

After his guilty plea, Anne Arundel County Judge Michele Jaklitsch had placed Schultz on house arrest, ordering him to wear an ankle bracelet, with the condition that he appear for his sentencing hearing. A warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to appear for his sentencing.

Background on the Crime

Schultz admitted in court that about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 25, 2015, he went to his in-law’s house in the 7600 block of Pine Haven Drive in Pasadena and asked to speak with his wife, Sandy. Officials say the couple had argued earlier.

At her parents’ house, Schultz took out a .32-caliber handgun and fired multiple shots at, Kraus, hitting him in the arm. Schultz then pointed the gun at Sandy and she begged him not to shoot her. He left the premises with no other shots fired, police say.

Schultz then fled the scene in a white 2006 Ford pickup with “Dennis Schultz Contracting” written on the side, according to police. He was arrested later that day.

»Arrest photo of Dennis Schultz, courtesy of Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office