The Murder of Donna Schultz: A Conversation with Stacey Diener

Podcast: Murder Sheet | Episode Date: April 7, 2026
Host: Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee
Guest: Stacey Diener (Former Pulaski County Prosecutor, Delphi Murders Prosecutor)

Episode Overview

This episode of Murder Sheet features an in-depth interview with Stacey Diener, the former Pulaski County prosecutor (and later a prosecutor in the Delphi case), reflecting on her successful prosecution of Brian Schultz for the murder of his wife, Donna Schultz, in rural Indiana. The episode explores the details of the case, the legal challenges, evidentiary complexities, and the lasting impact both the crime and the trial had on Stacey, the victim's family, and the small Indiana community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene and Background

• Stacey Diener's Background ([03:37]):

  • Elected Pulaski County prosecutor in 2003; the murder occurred early in her tenure (2005).
  • Emphasizes the importance of prosecutorial experience:

    "When you're elected a prosecutor, you never know when the tough cases are going to come along... that's why I think it's important that elected prosecutors have prosecutor experience." (C, 03:37)

  • First active murder scene she attended as lead prosecutor.

• Case Overview ([00:35]–[03:37]):

  • On October 21, 2004, Brian and Donna Schultz, in a strained marriage, argued frequently. On the day of the crime, Brian was drunk, and witnesses heard threats.
  • Around 4pm, a "pop" was heard; Brian was then seen leaving on a lawnmower.
  • Donna was found shot in the face, deceased in their trailer.
  • No direct eyewitnesses—the case would rely on physical evidence and neighbor testimony.

Investigating and Prosecuting the Crime

• Scene Investigation and Forensic Evidence ([03:37]–[09:52]):

  • Jurisdictional questions at first (trailer was on county line), but Pulaski County took the case.
  • Although no eyewitnesses, many neighbor statements were vital, as was the prompt arrival of Indiana State Police.
  • The defense claimed the shooting was accidental, that Brian "threw the gun on the bed" and it "accidentally discharged."
  • "It was a case where physical evidence was very important." (C, 03:37)
  • Prosecutors assembled multiple forensic experts:
    • Firearms expert (Paul Fertilla): tested and determined the handgun could not have discharged as claimed.
    • Coroner and blood spatter/trajectory specialist (from Oregon): reinforced that evidence was inconsistent with accidental discharge; shooting was at close range.

• Confessions and Witness Statements ([10:15]):

  • Some of Brian Schultz’s damning statements were not recorded; he made informal confessions to neighbors, e.g.,

    "He actually spoke to people about being angry with his wife and that she got in my head, and I shot her. So he made some confessions, not to law enforcement, but he did to, you know, his neighbors." (C, 10:15)

  • These neighbor statements became crucial since some formal confessions faced evidentiary challenges.

• Motive & Relationship Dynamics ([11:24]):

  • Few overt prior domestic violence incidents that could officially be introduced.
  • The children were Donna’s, not Brian’s; they disapproved of his treatment of Donna and their family dynamic, but issues related to motive or intent had to come from the events of the day.

• Expert & Evidentiary Challenges ([12:57]–[13:33], [14:44]):

  • Unique evidentiary issues, like an unexpected autopsy photograph, surfaced during the trial but did not derail the case since its content didn't prejudice the defense.
  • Discussion centers on gunshot residue and blood spatter. For example, Donna’s right hand lacked residue; more compelling was the residue and spatter found on Brian's shirt, whose pattern fit with shooting at close range (not from across the room as he claimed).

The Trial, Verdict, & Its Aftermath

• Trial Experience ([21:22]–[24:43]):

  • “It’s a sense of satisfaction that’s hard to compare to...” (C, 21:42)
  • Prepping involved “living and breathing” the case for weeks; after the trial, it took time to adjust back to normal life.
  • The verdict brought relief and satisfaction, but the intensity created deep bonds with colleagues and family members involved:

    "You form kind of like lifelong bonds and memories with these people... there’s that, that bond, that camaraderie that comes from being in such an intense situation together that I think supersedes just other working relationships." (C, 23:18)

• Family of Donna Schultz ([27:02]):

  • Donna’s adult children felt relief but were "devastated" by their mother’s loss. They continued to participate in legal proceedings long after sentencing to ensure the conviction stood—attended appeal hearings, etc.

• Reflections on Prosecution & Justice ([25:28]):

  • "I have never looked at my job as keeping score. I look at the Brian Schultz case as a very fine example of ... seeking justice, and it is presenting the truth." (C, 25:28)
  • Jury support of the prosecution’s case is "the ultimate gold star"; being a prosecutor "is not about a notch in the belt."

Broader Themes: Prosecutorial Experience and Its Importance

• On Experience in High-Stakes Cases ([30:46]):
  • Prosecuting serious crimes should not be a “training ground.”
  • "I don't think that that kind of responsibility should be given to someone who hasn't prosecuted the case and doesn't have the groundwork..." (C, 30:46)
  • Discusses the unique burdens and responsibilities of prosecution—contrasts with defense; stresses how experience directly benefits the community and victims.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On her commitment as prosecutor:

  “You begin to, like, live, breathe, sleep, eat. Constantly thinking about one case.” (C, 21:42)

• On the post-trial bonds:

  “You form kind of like lifelong bonds and memories with these people... there’s that, that bond, that camaraderie that comes from being in such an intense situation together...” (C, 23:18)

• On prosecutorial philosophy:

  “I have never looked at my job as keeping score. ... The goal... is seeking justice and it is presenting the truth. ... It does mean that either your presentation of evidence wasn't what it needed to be, or there was evidence missing that maybe you can control and maybe you can't.” (C, 25:28)

• On the importance of experience:

  “Certainly those cases should not be a training ground for a new prosecutor.” (C, 33:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Case Introduction and Facts: [00:35] – [04:00]
• Stacey Diener’s Role/Scene Setting: [03:37] – [06:30]
• Evidence, Forensics, and Trial Preparation: [06:30] – [15:00]
• Dealing with Witnesses and Confessions: [10:15] – [12:09]
• Legal & Evidentiary Challenges: [12:57] – [14:44]
• Gunshot Residue / Forensic Detail: [18:47] – [21:22]
• Trial Experience and Emotional Impact: [21:22] – [25:28]
• Victim’s Family Perspective: [27:02] – [28:35]
• On Prosecution and Professional Experience: [30:46] – [33:10]

Final Reflections

This episode not only details the investigation and successful prosecution of Brian Schultz for Donna Schultz’s murder, but provides rare insights into the realities of rural homicide prosecution, the personal burdens borne by prosecutors, and the ongoing impact for victims’ families. Stacey Diener’s reflections illuminate the necessity of experience in such demanding roles and emphasize that, above all, the pursuit of justice means relentless preparation, evidence-based argumentation, and truth-telling—for the community and for the victim.