Special Olympian Found Shot to Death, Scottsdale Police Search for Killer

A man who was shot and killed in Scottsdale this past weekend is now being identified as a “beloved” member of the Scottsdale Special Olympics and adaptive recreation programs.

Around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Scott Harkness, 59, was found along the side of the road, near Camelback and Hayden roads, after gunshots were reported in the area. Harkness, who’d been shot, was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital. Friends believe Scott was walking home when he was attacked.

Harkness was a popular figure in the Scottsdale community, known for his love of sports and fitness. Friends say that Scott was well known and well-loved and would meet up with him at Zipps Sports Grill in Scottsdale nearly every weekend. Reports say Zipps Sports Grill where he was last seen before he was shot and killed.

Harkness made an impact in the adaptive recreation community. He was also an honorary assistant coach, helping mentor younger athletes and making sure they were prepared. He was a very active athlete in the Special Olympics program for the city of Scottsdale.

Scott is being remembered for having a big heart.

Investigators are following up on some leads but as of right now, no arrests have been made in this case. A motive is not clear.

Scottsdale police are urging the public if they have any information that would be helpful, to please come forward so detectives can continue to piece together what led up to this horrible, tragic event. Please call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish. The Scottsdale Police Department also has an online tip line.