WI Department of Justice Cold Case Assistance In Zamastil Case Renders Results

William Floyd Zamastil Charged in 1973 Murder of FBI Agents Daughter

WAUPUN, WI/TUCSON, AZ - Late on Friday afternoon, August 28, 2009 U.S. Attorney John J. Tuchi and Special Agent in Charge, FBI Phoenix Division, Nathan T. Gray announced the unsealing of a federal indictment charging William Floyd Zamastil of Waupun, Wisconsin with First Degree Murder for the 1973 murder of Leesa Jo Shaner, of Tucson. Zamastil made an initial appearance in federal court on Friday afternoon.

Zamastil was arraigned on the charge in the indictment and pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for October 20, 2009. 

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justices Cold Case Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Sandra M. Hansen, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.

A copy of the press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office is attached.  A press release from the Wisconsin DOJ referencing this matter dated October 7, 2008 can be found here.

Additional coverage on the case in Arizona is available at KPHO Channel 5 (link).

Questions concerning this case should be directed towards Sandy Raynor of the United States Attorneys Office District of Arizona. 

A defendant enjoys the presumption of innocence. The prosecution must prove its allegations at trial beyond a reasonable doubt. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Public Affairs

Friday, August 28, 2009 SANDY RAYNOR

        Telephone:  (602) 514-7625

CHARGES ANNOUNCED IN 1973 MURDER OF TUCSON WOMAN

        TUCSON, Ariz. - U.S. Attorney John J. Tuchi and Special Agent in Charge, FBI Phoenix Division, Nathan T. Gray announced today the unsealing of a federal indictment charging William Floyd Zamastil, 57, of Waupan, Wisconsin, with First Degree Murder for the 1973 murder of Leesa Jo Shaner, of Tucson.  Zamastil made an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon.

        The federal indictment alleges that Zamastil killed Ms. Shaner on Fort Huachuca, Ariz., on or about May 29, 1973, in the perpetration of a rape. The murder of Ms. Shaner was the subject of widespread media coverage at the time of the incident.   

        During todays hearing, Zamastil was arraigned on the charge in the indictment and pleaded not guilty.  He will remain in federal custody pending trial.  Trial is scheduled for October 20, 2009. A conviction for First Degree Murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

        An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt.  An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

        The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The prosecution is being handled by Sandra M. Hansen, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.

CASE NUMBER:            CR-09-1619-TUC-DCB

RELEASE NUMBER: 2009-275(Zamastil)

For more information on the U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/az/

Sandy Raynor

Public Affairs Officer

U.S. Attorneys Office

District of Arizona

Work:  602. 514.7625

Cell:      602.525.2681

sandra.raynor@usdoj.gov

www.usdoj.gov/usao/az