Charges Announced in 1973 Murder of Tucson Woman

TUCSON, AZ—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 today’s 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)